MARQUETTE—Northern Michigan University held a media briefing at 3:30 p.m. today to provide an update on the campus lockdown situation. Authorities said they have worked with the FBI to identify persons of interest who may have information about an anonymous blog post that included a threat to the campus community. The investigation continues.

“We are talking to witnesses and following up on comments made,” said Mike Bath, NMU Public Safety director. “Some of the people being interviewed are students and some are not. All are located within the county. We are treating this threat as if it could still be active.”

The NMU campus remains locked down. Evening classes were canceled as a precaution and no announcement has been made as to when the university will reopen.

NMU Public Safety received a phone tip before the university opened at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 2. Authorities assessed the threat and determined it was serious enough to warrant mobilizing the university’s emergency communication system, which includes text, e-mail, a computer alert and building electronic screens. All facilities were evacuated and residence halls were put on lockdown with additional security. Students were able to access dining facilities later in the day.

“I am impressed by how fast the campus reacted in a professional, mature way,” said NMU President Les Wong. “We were pleased all of our emergency communications systems we test on a regular basis worked effectively in this situation. I want to personally thank all local law enforcement and emergency agencies for stepping up quickly and offering their assistance.”

NMU Public Safety and the FBI were assisted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), Marquette County Sheriff’s Department and Marquette City Police. Bath says all agencies in the county offered assistance.