Threat Against U.T. Tyler Not Valid

TYLER � It turned out to be a peaceful weekend at the University of Texas at Tyler. Threats made to the campus over several days turned out not to be valid. But, out of an abundance of caution, enhanced security measures remained in place throughout Saturday�s activities. The investigation is still ongoing and active.

Friday, the University of Texas at Tyler police, with assistance from other agencies, started an investigation into possibly threatening calls. The school received at least five telephone calls over a four-hour period from an unknown caller claiming to have information about an unspecified act of violence that would take place on the campus on Saturday. Through an investigation spanning 36 hours, police were able to identify the source of the calls. The investigation revealed that the caller had a personal motive, unrelated to the university, to have weekend activities cancelled.

Planned extra security measures and personnel remained in place throughout the weekend to ensure the safety of the students, staff and visitors to the university. Weekend activities went on as scheduled, and the campus was well-protected at all times. School officials said they received a tremendous amount of support from The University of Texas System Police, the City of Tyler Police Department and the Smith County Sheriff�s Office.

The UT Tyler Police Department will be pursuing criminal charges against the person who called in the threats to the university. According to school officials, since this is an ongoing investigation, no other details will be released at this time