Threat Invoking Va. Tech Shuts Down College

The discovery of a cryptic threat that referenced the Virginia Tech shootings has temporarily shut down Northern Illinois University, the Chicago Tribune reports. The scribbled message on the wall of a women's restroom in a dorm referred to a specific school building and today's date, and included a racial slur. Exams scheduled for today were canceled.

The message included the phrase "the VA tech shooters messed up w/ having only one shooter" and said, "Things will change most hastily." The president of the university said: "We will not tolerate threats against individuals or groups. Nor will we tolerate hate speech of any type." The school's website said the icy weather plaguing the Midwest also contributed to the decision to shut down. (More Northern Illinois University stories.)