Temple University has enhanced its security after a disturbing message was uncovered inside a university building.
A message referencing the massacre at Columbine High School was found inside a men’s room stall at Gladfelter Hall, according to Temple University Police. The message described as “graffiti” was found in March, but university officials notified the campus community on Friday.
Gladfelter Hall is home to several university departments including the Criminal Justice Department, Political Science Department and Study of Force and Diplomacy Center, according to campus maps. The building is part of a large building complex located at 1115 W. Berks Street.
Chief university communications officer Ray Betzner tells NBC10.com “security has been enhanced” since the message was found. He would not elaborate on the increased measures.
“If at any time members of the university community feel concerned about their safety, they should, as we outlined in our statement, contact Temple Police or if they’re off-campus they can call 911,” he said.
The 14th anniversary of the Columbine High School massacre is this coming Saturday, April 20. In the mass shooting, high school seniors Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold shot and killed 12 students and a teacher. Nearly two dozen others were also hurt. Harris and Klebold committed suicide after the shooting.
Betzner said Temple Police is conducting an investigation and that they’re working with Philadelphia Police, the Philadelphia Police Homeland Security Unit and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
FBI spokeswoman Carrie Adamowski says the bureau is aware of the situation and the bureau’s college campus liaison is working with Temple University Police and Philadelphia Police on the investigation.
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Another government agency, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), is also conducting an investigation at Temple University.
The ATF is searching for whomever set six fires inside a new tower under construction on the North Philadelphia campus. The fires were set on multiple floors over a series of days at the 24-story Morgan Hall. No one has been arrested in connection with that case.
