UPDATE 1:40 p.m. - The police are still actively investigating whether the telephone threat made to Seton Hall University this morning was credible, but "have nothing to report at this time," according to a second Pirate Alert sent this afternoon.
"We have taken the precautionary step of closing all but the Main Gate and posting guards at the pedestrian gates that remain in service," the alert stated. "We will communicate, as needed, with the community."
The University asks community members to "refrain from the temptation to pass rumors or speculate on the police investigation on Twitter and other social media."
South Orange Police and members of the Essex County Sheriff's Office were called to campus investigating an anonymous threat that was received late this morning to Public Safety, according to a Pirate Alert sent around 11:45 a.m.
Local authorities are still working to investigate the validity of the threat, University spokesperson Laurie Pine told The Setonian around 1 p.m.
"At this time classes are in session as SOPD investigates. We will update if that changes," the University (@SetonHall) tweeted to a student at 12:02 p.m. According to other tweets from the University, all steps being taken by police are "precautionary."
Police are at the front gate and stopping all incoming vehicles, according to the first alert.
Drivers' licenses are being scanned at the gate as well, according to a student source.
The Ward Place exit is locked and all traffic is going through the front gate, according to the first alert.
The University asks anyone to report suspicious people on campus to Public Safety at x9300.
Check back at www.thesetonian.com for further updates as more information is available.
Charlotte Lewis can be reached at charlotte.lewis@student.shu.edu.
