'All clear' given at Kentucky State University campus after 'potential threat' to safety

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Kentucky State University gave the "all clear" just before 3 p.m. Thursday after a "potential threat to campus safety" forced the campus in Frankfort to close.

According to a BRED Alert shared by the university Thursday morning, KSU told anyone on campus to leave "calmly and immediately" unless told otherwise by law enforcement or university officials.

The university also told people not to come to the campus until further notice. Benson Farm was also closed due to the threat. Employees were able to retrieve their vehicles to leave, but were not permitted to enter any buildings.

A campus spokesperson said the alert was issued "out of an abundance of caution." Employees were sent home to work remotely for the remainder of the day, while students in summer housing were being moved to a secure location.

The spokesperson told WDRB the alert was prompted by a "suspicious message" Frankfort police received that mentioned a gun and a bomb.

Police and the university are investigating. The "all clear" was given around 2:45 p.m. An updated BRED Alert said normal operations could resume, but work would remain virtual for the rest of the day.

This story may be updated.