Update — George Mason University Police have determined that the bomb threat targeting Fenwick Library was unfounded.
“Law enforcement conducted an extensive search of the building and no devices were found,” a GMU spokesperson said. “The area has been deemed safe and normal operations may resume.”
The library, however, will remain closed for the rest of today (Friday).
Earlier: George Mason University has evacuated and closed its library in Fairfax in response to a “potential bomb threat.”
GMU is telling students and other visitors at its Fairfax campus to stay away from Fenwick Library (4400 University Drive) while university police investigate.
“Out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of public safety, an investigation is currently underway,” GMU said in a statement. “Individuals have been evacuated from Fenwick Library and the surrounding area while emergency personnel respond, and were asked to follow the direction of law enforcement and/or emergency personnel.”
A spokesperson added that “more information will be provided once it is available.”
This threat has not been confirmed. An investigation is being conducted out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of public safety. Please follow the direction of law enforcement and/or emergency personnel.
More information will be provided once it is available.
— George Mason University (@GeorgeMasonU) March 13, 2026
GMU didn’t comment on the source of the threat, but the University of Virginia and Bridgewater College in western Virginia also received bomb threats earlier today that prompted closures and investigations, according to news reports.
UVA received an “emailed” threat that led it to evacuate two libraries on its Charlottesville campus this morning. After an investigation found no evidence of danger, the libraries were reopened, VPM Media reported.
Bridgewater College similarly cleared its Forrer Learning Commons, a library and academic hub, of any threats shortly before 2 p.m.
It’s unclear if the threats all came from the same person, but a UVA spokesperson told VPM Media that the one it received appears to have been “a hoax possibly linked to a series of similar threats sent to Virginia colleges on Friday.”
