Savannah State University among many HBCUs targeted by email threats today

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Several Historically Black College or Universities (HBCUs) across the country, including Savannah State University, received email threats against their campuses today, January 22, 2026.

In a message to all Savannah State University employees, SSU President Dr. Jermaine Whirl said that while Savannah State was included in the threats, “no immediate threat has been validated.”

See SSU’s full statement below:

Out of an abundance of caution, our campus police have been working with Chatham County and the City of Savannah to ensure campus safety.

The USG Office and the FBI have been involved and confirmed that the threat is originating overseas.

At this time, campus operations will continue as normal. Additional police presence will be on campus for the remainder of the day.

Our local schools have also been targeted, and several of them have gone on lockdown. We’ll continue to monitor the situation for the safety and well-being of all students and employees.

If you receive any threats via email, please forward them to Interim Chief Thomas and do not respond to them.

SSU President Dr. Jermaine Whirl

WTOC was on the scene at Savannah State University earlier today and spoke with law enforcement, who also confirmed the email originated from overseas.