Farside, Crossroads and the Dining Hall Evacuated as Authorities Respond to a Threat

By Nolan Locke

On Monday at approximately 1:30 p.m., the University Police Department (UPD), as well as the Westchester County Police Department (WCPD), responded to reports of a threat in the areas surrounding Farside, Crossroads, and the Dining Hall. 

All three buildings were evacuated promptly, and students were required to wait outside and away from the buildings. "I was walking back from dance class," said Anthony LaVara, a residential assistant (RA) from Central and a senior arts management major. "My boss, the RC [residential coordinator] of Central, told me to stay as far away from the building as possible." 

Officers of the WCPD and UPD gather behind Farside (Photo by Sophia Pallozzi)

Shortly after the evacuation, WCPD arrived on the scene with multiple squad cars and a Special Response Truck. Also present were members of the Hazardous Device Unit, a task force specialized in finding, assessing and disposing explosive devices, military ordinance or other highly hazardous materials such as chemicals or biological agents.

Members of Residential Student Life (RSL), as well as Purchase College President Michael Steiper and Vice President of Student Affairs Patty Bice, were present to keep students at a safe distance from the buildings. Meanwhile, the police conducted their investigation and searched the buildings. "It was great to see the college president and VP Bice out talking to students and ensuring they stayed calm in this situation," said Jessica Bullock, associate director of student engagement and involvement. 

UPD Officer Conti, who was on the scene, had this to say when asked about the investigation: "There was a threat made and we're just checking it out." When asked whether he felt the threat posed a serious risk, Conti said, "I don't think so, but you've got to check it, you never know."

However, contrary to the calm demeanor of Officer Conti, many students were confused and concerned for their safety. "We were just in the radio station when the intern working suddenly came in and told us we needed to evacuate," said Ryan Duran, a junior communications major. "I was like, ‘what the hell is going on?’ Then I saw the president come and tell us to get away from the building, and I knew it was something serious. No one really knew what was going on either. We had heard rumors that it was maybe a bomb threat, but I was hearing a lot of different things." 

Many students were frustrated with the lack of transparency throughout the ordeal. "They [UPD] said that we will get more information soon," said Kel Vargas, a freshman theater and performance major who was in Farside at the time of the evacuation, "but we've been out here for a while." 

Students waiting in the Quad during the investigation (Photo by Sophia Pallozzi)

After being kept out of the buildings for roughly two hours, students were given the all-clear in the form of a thumbs-up from President Steiper at 3:20 p.m. At 3:30 p.m. WCPD officers, clad in gas masks, exited the buildings, and shortly after, all police presence dispersed. 

The nature of the threat remains unknown as interim UPD Chief Samuel Ramos declined to provide a statement on the subject, only saying, "A community member expressed a concern about a potential threat."

This threat marked the second in just 15 days. When asked about this, President Steiper said, "The two incidents were not related. At this point, we are maintaining our usual level of awareness and caution as we ensure the safety of our campus." 

In an email to The Phoenix, Steiper praised the campus community and first responders for springing into action. "I am grateful to my colleagues and the first responders who came to campus to ensure that everyone was safe. I am also grateful to our students for remaining calm and patient during this stressful situation. Thank you for taking care of one another." This sentiment was also shared by Cayla Salazar, the associate director of residential operations, who praised her RSL staff. "Their calm presence played a key role in maintaining safety and a sense of calm during a stressful time," she wrote in an email, adding, "Yesterday's events were difficult for our entire campus community, but we're proud of how students, staff, and UPD responded with care and cooperation." 

President Steiper on the scene speaking with students (Photo by Cage Evinger)

When asked about students who may feel unsettled or unsafe due to the recent threats to student residence, Salazar wrote, "It's completely understandable to feel unsettled after an incident like this. Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities, and we want you to know that staff are here to support you." In addition, Salazar encouraged students with concerns to "reach out, whether that's connecting with your RA, visiting the Residential and Student Life office, or speaking with the Counseling Center. You're not alone in processing this experience, and we're committed to helping you feel secure and supported in your home on campus."

Police exiting Farside with a gas mask in hand (Photo by Cage Evinger)

The Phoenix reached out to Chief Ramos about the recent threats, asking iif UPD was taking additional measures to ensure student safety. "We always prioritize safety and preparedness and constantly monitor for threats,” Ramos wrote in an email. “Recent incidents on campuses nationwide, including the two incidents on our campus over the past few weeks, remind us of the challenging environment in which universities and colleges operate." Ramos also expressed the importance of community vigilance, especially in these times, stating, "I ask that all community members continue to report anything that seems concerning. It's on all of us to keep the campus safe."

Additional Reporting by Sophia Pallozzi and Cage Evinger