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Feds warn Philly-area colleges of unspecified threat

PHILADELPHIA-- Universities in the Philadelphia area are alerting students and staff about an unspecified threat, reports CBS Philadelphia.

Temple University alerted students and faculty on Sunday of a threat of violence made against "a University near Philadelphia." According to the university, other colleges and universities in the area are aware of the threat and were alerted of it by the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives).

According to the alert, the posting states the action could take place at 2:00 p.m. eastern time on Monday, October 5.

In a statement emailed to students, Temple officials said: "According to law enforcement, they are not aware of a specific threat, but Temple University Police are monitoring the situation along with local and federal officials. Temple announced that their police will have increased visibility on the campus on Monday."

The university will operate under a normal schedule on Monday.

Drexel University released a statement on Sunday regarding the threats that they say appeared on social media as well: "The FBI has notified all Philadelphia area colleges and universities about a recent social media posting threatening violence at a Philadelphia area college or university on Monday, October 5."

The Drexel statement specifically mentioned the shooting last week at a community college in Oregon that left nine people dead, saying "the FBI has seen similar social media postings throughout the country."

The FBI also released a statement Sunday evening.

"Out of an abundance of caution, the FBI Philadelphia Field Office notified local colleges and universities of a social media posting which threatened violence at a Philadelphia-area college or university for Monday, October 5," the statement read. "No specific college or university was identified in the posting. We encourage students, faculty, and employees at area colleges and universities to follow the guidance of their campus security officials."

Drexel will increase police and security patrols on Monday.

The University of Pennsylvania also issued a statement and will coordinate closely with Drexel.

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