August 31, 2022 @ 1101hrs - Update to Timely Warning: Individual in Custody
Following up on the ongoing investigation (https://lehigh.apparmor.com/Notifications/CAP/?id=95817), the individual who made directed threats to a group of Lehigh students was taken into custody in New York by the New York City Police Department this morning without incident or injury.
At this time, campus building access will be restored to regular operations.
We've been in direct contact with those who received the threats, and our thoughts and support are with the students who were impacted by this incident.
The Lehigh University Police Department (LUPD) is also in direct contact with the family of the individual who made the threats. The Bethlehem Police Department has filed charges of Terroristic Threats and Harassment.
LUPD is grateful for the cooperation of the NYPD, the Bethlehem Police, and other law enforcement agencies, as well as the officers and security for their vigilant efforts to support campus safety during the continuing investigation.
The safety of our students, faculty and staff is of the highest priority. We can confirm now that the individual who made the threats to campus was not recently in the Lehigh Valley area; we commend our students and the campus community for their vigilance throughout the investigation.
Chief Jason SchifferLehigh University Police Department
Info: https://lehigh.apparmor.com/Notifications/CAP/?id=95857&t=100115227
August 30, 2022 @ 1709hrs - Update to Timely Warning: Ongoing Investigation
Following up on yesterday's developments and the ongoing investigation (https://lehigh.apparmor.com/Notifications/CAP/?id=95743), campus operations are continuing as communicated.
Campus buildings continue to be accessible by card access only until further notice; otherwise, campus is operating as normal.
LUPD continues to cooperate with the Bethlehem Police, the New York City Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies who are actively pursuing available leads and tips.
While we do not have reason to believe the individual who made the threats is in the Lehigh Valley at this time, as a reminder, we encourage all members of the community to be alert to their surroundings and to report any suspicious activity to the LUPD by calling (610) 758-4200.
We will provide another update tomorrow, or sooner if new information becomes available.
For prior updates, visit: https://www2.lehigh.edu/news/operating-status-normal-operations-updates-on-active-investigation
Chief Jason Schiffer
Lehigh University Police Department
Info: https://lehigh.apparmor.com/Notifications/CAP/?id=95817&t=99787739
August 29, 2022 @ 1639hrs - Update to Timely Warning: Ongoing Investigation
Following up on this morning's timely warning (https://lehigh.apparmor.com/Notifications/CAP/?id=95695&t=98730628), we wanted to provide an update on the continuing investigation.
Campus continues to operate as usual at this time and the Lehigh University Police Department (LUPD) is continuing an increased presence of officers and security guards. LUPD continues to be in cooperation with Bethlehem Police, the New York City Police Department, and other law enforcement.
Buildings will continue to be accessible by card access ONLY until further notice.
The hotline for general inquiries will remain open until 11 p.m. ET this evening, at which time it will close.
As a reminder, we encourage all members of the community to be alert to your surroundings and to report any suspicious activity to the LUPD by calling (610) 758-4200.
We will share updates with the campus community if there is an update on the investigation or if new information becomes available.
Chief Jason Schiffer
Lehigh University Police Department
Info: https://lehigh.apparmor.com/Notifications/CAP/?id=95743&t=99064081
August 29, 2022 @ 1055hrs - Timely Warning: Active Investigation of Threat
At approximately 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, the Lehigh University Police Department (LUPD) was notified by several current students about a specific threat that was directed to a group of Lehigh students known to an individual identified as a former student, Muhamad Diop. This threat is unrelated to the incident shared with campus on Friday night.
His pictures can be found here: https://www2.lehigh.edu/sites/www2/files/2022-08/Diop_0.jpg and here: https://www2.lehigh.edu/sites/www2/files/2022-08/Diop%20TikTok%20%283%29.jpg
LUPD is assisting Bethlehem police with the active investigation; Bethlehem Police immediately obtained a warrant and the investigation revealed that Diop was in New York City.
We are issuing this warning this morning because his location can no longer be confirmed. There is no evidence the individual is in the Bethlehem area; however, the investigation is active and ongoing.
We are sharing this notification at this time because as of this morning the individual's whereabouts are unknown.
LUPD is cooperating with the Bethlehem Police Department, New York City Police Department, the FBI, and the U.S. Marshals.
*******The Lehigh community will notice an increased police and security presence on campus. All buildings have been made accessible ONLY by card swipe at this time until further notice. Otherwise, classes are being held and campus is operating as usual at this time. *******
LUPD is in direct contact and is working with the students who received the threats and support is being provided by LUPD and the Dean of Students Office.
We encourage all members of the community to be alert to your surroundings and to report any suspicious activity to the LUPD by calling (610) 758-4200.
Updates will be shared with the campus community as more information becomes available.
To aid in keeping dispatch lines clear, we are activating a hotline for general inquiries related to this investigation, which will be active in approximately one hour.
Visit: https://www2.lehigh.edu/news/operating-status for current information; the number for the hotline will be posted there when it is active.
Chief Jason SchifferLehigh University Police Department
March 8, 2022 1427hrs - Safety Bulletin: Trespassing Incidents and Safety Reminders
Dear Members of the Lehigh Community,
We wanted to make the community aware of reports received over the past two days regarding a non-Lehigh community member trespassing in Lehigh residence halls. This individual gained access by following student residents with ID access into the residence halls. After further investigation, Lehigh police determined that the suspect left without further incident and appeared to have gained access, walked around, and then immediately left the residence hall.
The Lehigh University Police Department (LUPD) has identified the adult individual, who is not affiliated with Lehigh, and today, the individual is being charged with criminal trespass. Lehigh police have been in direct contact with the individual and their immediate family to resolve the trespassing incidents. Lehigh police also have followed up with the students who reported these incidents.
We wanted to take this opportunity to additionally remind members of the campus community of the following general safety reminders:
-Please remember to never prop open building doors. While it may seem polite, never hold a door to allow others to enter a building behind you without swiping their ID card to gain access.
-Remain alert and be aware of your surroundings at all times. If you notice someone following you or notice that someone gained unauthorized access to a campus building or residence, contact the LUPD at 610-758-4200.
-For students living in the residence halls, never leave your door unlocked. Even though residence halls are accessible only by card access, if someone gains unauthorized access, keeping your door locked provides additional security.
-Regardless of where you live, secure all doors and windows and keep your residence locked at all times.
-Education is an important facet of campus safety. Read more safety tips on the LUPD website: https://police.lehigh.edu/content/safety-tips
Thank you, and if you have any questions about these tips or additional safety information, our Division of Campus Safety is available to assist you at 610-758-4200.
Chief Jason Schiffer
Lehigh University Police Department
