CHATTANOOGA, TN – Just before 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 29, Chattanooga State Community College was made aware of a threat to campus safety. Out of an abundance of caution, the College immediately issued a lockdown and began working with local authorities. Law enforcement determined the threat to be a hoax and declared the campus was safe. 

The safety of our college community is ChattState’s number one priority at all times, and Thursday’s incident confirmed that the College’s crisis procedures are effective in maintaining campus security. 

ChattState is grateful to the many law enforcement agencies and emergency response teams that responded to Thursday’s threat. 

“We want to extend our sincere gratitude to the many agencies and individuals who worked hard to protect our students, employees, and the entire campus community,” said Rebecca Ashford, Ed.D., president of ChattState. “While we now know that today’s threat was not legitimate, it served as a reminder of the many brave law enforcement and other first responders who stand ready to protect our community.” 

Classes at ChattState are canceled for the remainder of the day and campus will be closed, Thursday, August 29. We will reopen with normal operations on Friday, August 30, however the Child Development Center will be closed. Faculty and supervisors will be flexible to accommodate student and employee needs because of today’s incident. 

Counseling services are available in the Student Support Center for students and in the Belonging Center for employees today until 4:00 p.m., and again tomorrow, Friday, August 30, beginning at 9:00 a.m. 

ChattState remains committed to providing a safe and secure place to learn and work. Any person with a safety concern should report it immediately by contacting campus police at 423-595-3651 or calling 911. 

The Chattanooga Police Department is taking the lead in the investigation, and they will release additional information as it becomes available.