UPDATE 8:45 PM

At about 3:50 PM, the University of Pittsburgh Police Department (UPPD) and the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police received a notification from the Federal Bureau of Investigation that a bomb threat against the University, specifically Posvar Hall, had been made on social media. Due to the specific circumstances of the threat, UPPD leadership determined that Posvar Hall should be evacuated. 

UPPD detectives quickly located a suspect and took them into custody. The suspect has been charged with terroristic threats and threats to use weapons of mass destruction, and was transported to the Allegheny County Jail. 

UPPD K9 units, with assistance from Port Authority Police K9s and Allegheny County Police K9s, searched the building. Posvar Hall was determined to be safe and reopened. 

UPPD thanks its law enforcement partners at the FBI, the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police, Allegheny County Police, the Port Authority Police, and Carnegie Mellon University Police for their assistance in quickly and safely resolving this situation.

Because this is an active criminal case, the University will have no further comment.  

5:47 PM Police have cleared Posvar Hall. The building has been reopened, resume normal activities. It is now safe to reenter the building to collect any personal belongings.

4:30 PM The actor identified in the threat has been taken into custody for further investigation. Continue to avoid the area. Investigation is ongoing.

4:15 PM Posvar Hall is closed due to the ongoing investigation.  Information regarding reclaiming any personal property left in the building will be communicated at a later time. 

4:11 PM Multiple roadways around Posvar Hall are closed to public traffic due to the ongoing investigation.  Continue to avoid the area. Use alternate routes.

4:01 PM Posvar Hall is being evacuated at this time. Please exit the building in a safe and orderly manner.  Follow the instructions of officers on scene.

3:57 PM Pitt Police is investigating threats made towards a department located inside Posvar Hall. Large police presence on scene. Avoid the area. Follow the instructions of officers on scene.

3:50 PM Large police presence outside Posvar Hall at South Bouquet and Roberto Clemente Drive. Please avoid the area until further notice. 

Warning: The content of this crime alert may contain graphic and sensitive information.

Vandalism

The University of Pittsburgh Police Department has received two reports of antisemitic graffiti on campus between October 12 and October 15, 2026.  The first incident occurred in the 3900 block of Forbes Avenue.  The second incident occurred in the 4200 block of Fifth Avenue.

Description of the suspect(s) is as follows:

Suspect 1: There are no suspect descriptions.

University of Pittsburgh Police are investigating. If you have any further information regarding these incidents, please contact 412-624-2121 and reference report numbers 26-03310 and 26-03378.

Additional Information:

• If you need support, in addition to the Pitt Police, the following resources are available, 24/7: 
  • Pittsburgh Action Against Rape: 1-866-363-7272
  • University Counseling Center: 412-648-7930
  • resolve Crisis Services: 1-888-796-8226
  • Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988
• Familiarize yourself with and implement these general safety tips into your daily routine.
• Download the new PittSAFE app. The app allows different options for contacting the police, including voice and text, as well as anonymous reporting options.
• The Pitt Police offer a self-defense and awareness program. Contact Officer Heather Walker, hlc33@pitt.edu, for more information on SAFE classes.
• Crime alerts and any updates are posted online at safety.pitt.edu/alerts. Information on how to register to receive crime alerts via text message can be found here.