A statement from UB Police Chief Chris J. Bartolomei

Published May 16, 2022

UB police are aware of social media posts and related rumors indicating continued threats of violence — primarily targeting local off-campus businesses — following Saturday’s horrific mass shooting at the Tops Markets on Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo.

While none of the threats contains anything specific to UB, University Police are receiving calls from concerned parents, students, faculty and staff who are sharing those posts and expressing concerns about the safety of the campus.

We have been in contact with our intelligence partners in state and federal law enforcement and have confirmed there is no indication that these threats are legitimate. An investigation into the social media post threatening local businesses is ongoing and local law enforcement is taking preventative measures.

Based on the heightened concerns, we felt it necessary to reassure the campus community that we are continuously monitoring the situation and have increased security at certain campus locations and planned university events out of an abundance of caution.  We will keep the UB community informed of any threats that may impact the university.