Threat closes DuSable

By Libby John

DuSable Hall was evacuated Wednesday night after University Police received a bomb threat to the building.

Faculty and students were told to exit the building at about 6:30 p.m.

“[UP] told us to get as far away from the building as possible,” said Trisha Haeuser, a senior general studies major.

DeKalb police were called to help shut down University Circle from Gabel Hall onward. Cars and people were asked not to drive or walk by the DuSable Hall area.

History professor Ben Whisenhunt was about to give a midterm when a police officer came into the room and told the class there was a bomb threat and students needed to exit the building.

“It seems like there is no one in the building,” he said. “I saw officers going in and out.”

UP Officer Larry Ellington said he came in early for his 7 p.m. shift and was told to help block traffic into the area.

DuSable Hall was not reopened, and all classes and activities Wednesday night were cancelled.

Kazan, UP’s bomb- and drug-sniffing dog, was on the scene with police officers.

Witnesses said other nearby classrooms also were shut down.

No officers at University Police were able to comment.