SCRANTON -- Two threatening phone calls shut down Marywood University Thursday morning, forcing nearly 2,500 students and staff from campus.
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Bomb-sniffing dogs and dozens of law enforcement officials are at the Marywood University campus, continuing to search every building on campus.
University leaders say someone called in bomb threats around 7 a.m. Thursday.
Marywood University students, faculty, and staff received text messages alerting them to the threat.
"It just said campus was closed due to a bomb threat and due to further notice," said junior Sam Barone.
The alert went out after university officials say someone called in bomb threats to their main switchboard. The calls were answered by security officers since it was before regular business hours.
"It indicated there were three bombs on campus that were set to go off sometime during the day," said Marywood University treasurer Joseph Garvey.
But the threatening calls didn't end there.
"At approximately 7:30, another call came into us and said the bombs were placed in highly residential areas," said Garvey.
Marywood's administration closed the school, telling about 2,500 students, faculty, and support staff to stay home or leave campus if they lived here. Many went with family or friends.
About 60 were taken to the nearby Dunmore senior center. Many students are frustrated.
"I was like, 'this is ridiculous,'" said sophomore Kwaku Dokyi. "I feel like this is high school all over again."
"They're trying to keep everyone informed as much as possible," Barone added.
Police say they're looking at all possibilities and scenarios to find the person responsible.
"This is possibly a disgruntled student or former employee. I don't know who that person could be," said Garvey.
Marywood issued the following statement Thursday morning:
"Marywood University officials have confirmed that a bomb threat was received this morning. Offices were closed and all day and evening classes are cancelled. Resident students have been relocated off campus. Police and fire officials are onsite and an investigation is in progress."
