Villanova University Closes Campus Due to Threat of Violence

Empty academic building at Villanova University due to threat of violence

Villanova, Pennsylvania, January 22, 2026

Villanova University in Pennsylvania has closed its campus following a threat of violence aimed at an academic building. The closure affects all classes and activities for the day, with the FBI investigating the situation. Officials received the threat early Thursday morning, leading to an immediate alert for students and a commitment to safety from the university’s leadership. Updates are expected as investigations continue, prioritizing the well-being of the campus community.

Villanova, Pennsylvania

Villanova University Closes Campus Due to Threat of Violence, FBI Investigates

Villanova University in Pennsylvania has closed its campus for Thursday, January 22, 2026, following a threat of violence directed at an academic building. All classes and campus activities have been canceled for the day. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is actively responding to and investigating the threat.

Campus-Wide Closure and Investigation

Early Thursday morning, university officials received the threat, prompting an alert to students and the subsequent decision to close the institution for the entire day. The specific nature of the threat has not been fully disclosed, but authorities confirm it was aimed at one of the university’s academic buildings.

Villanova University’s Department of Public Safety issued alerts regarding the closure, emphasizing the safety of its community. The university remains closed, with all scheduled events and operations suspended while the investigation continues.

Ensuring Community Safety

The immediate closure reflects the university’s commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of its students, faculty, and staff. Updates are expected as the investigation by the FBI and local authorities progresses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened at Villanova University?
Villanova University closed its campus for Thursday, January 22, 2026, due to a threat of violence targeted at an academic building.
When did the university close?
The university closed on Thursday, January 22, 2026, after receiving the threat early that morning.
Is the FBI involved?
Yes, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is actively responding to and investigating the threat.
What was the target of the threat?
The threat of violence was specifically directed at an academic building on campus.
Are classes and activities canceled?
Yes, all classes and campus activities have been canceled for the day.

Key Details of the Villanova University Closure

Feature Detail
Date of Closure Thursday, January 22, 2026
Reason for Closure Threat of violence
Target of Threat An academic building
Current Status Campus closed, all activities canceled
Investigating Agency Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

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