Tufts Investigating Car Fire, Bomb Threat

An early morning car fire and bomb threats targeting several buildings put Tufts University on lockdown for several hours on Monday.

Hours after non-essential employees were sent home and students were asked to remain in their dorms, Tufts announced the targeted buildings were clear and the university was returning to limited operations, according to a statement on Tufts’ website.

The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Tufts University Police Department at 617-627-3030.

Tufts’ student newspaper, the Tufts Daily, has more details about the incident and photos of the car fire, which took place outside of the school’s health services building and belonged to an employee.

Both Medford and Somerville police and fire departments responded to the scene.

“We are shocked by this morning’s events and want to know exactly what happened. An investigation is underway into the facts and circumstances of the car fire and threats, including whether they are related,” said Tufts President Anthony Monaco in a statement to the Tufts community on Monday night. “We appreciate the dedication and professionalism of the Tufts University Police Department, and the support and collaboration of their colleagues in many area agencies including the Somerville and Medford Police and Fire Departments. We will continue to keep the community informed as we learn and are able to share more information going forward.”

“We also want to make certain that our university community and our neighbors are safe. Accordingly, we are already working to ensure that campus activities and events between now and the end of the academic year are secure for all participants,” said Monaco. “I am grateful to the members of the university community and our neighbors in Somerville and Medford for their flexibility and patience during today’s extraordinary circumstances.”

Tufts students are currently taking final exams, some of which have been postponed due to the incident. The school’s commencement is taking place May 22.

– InsideMedford.com