Authorities Respond to Library Building Threat

By Nolan Locke

Purchase College library after the events of Monday morning (Photo by Summer Tyler)

On Monday, the Purchase University Police Department (UPD) and the Westchester Police Department responded to an unspecified threat at the library on campus.

Although the specifics of the threat are unknown, UPD Interim Chief of Police Samuel Ramos had this to say in a statement to students. "Please note that we received a threat to the library building. Out of an abundance of caution, we temporarily evacuated the building. After a thorough investigation into the veracity of the threat, we have safely reopened the library. At the time, there are no further safety concerns," further adding that, "We are aware that other colleges are experiencing similar threats. We will continue to monitor and ensure the safety of our community."

Ramos also encouraged students to "be aware of your surroundings and look for unusual behaviors, items, or actions that seem out of place or out of the ordinary," as well as to report any suspicious activity to campus police. Additionally, Ramos advises that if you or someone you know is feeling uneasy or anxious, please reach out to the campus counseling and behavioral health services.

Students present at the library reported sights of police canine (K9) units patrolling the library as well as a significant police presence, as the threat was assessed. The event occurred around 10 a.m. and left many students feeling distressed. "When I first heard about it, I was actually getting ready to go to the library," said Jasira Gay, a junior cinema studies major, "When I saw the email, I was genuinely nervous, especially with the climate right now with schools and threats." 

Following UPD's assurance that the threat was defunct, Purchase President Michael Steiper appeared in front of the library to assure students that the situation had been handled and the library's doors would reopen.

In a statement to The Phoenix, President Steiper had this to say: "Today, we learned of a threat, something that many campuses are currently experiencing. I am grateful to UPD for ensuring a thorough investigation that allowed us to safely reopen our library after a brief closure. Thank you to the entire campus community for your patience and calm."