Following a string of threats made to several HBCUs last week, the Congressional Black Caucus is seeking a federal investigation into the threats.

On September 11 six HBCUs across the country received threats from anonymous sources, prompting the universities to take necessary safety precautions. The threats led to class cancellations, shelter-in-place orders, and some campus lockdowns. Hampton University, one of the universities that received a threat, canceled classes through Friday (September 12) as a precautionary measure. Alabama State University and Virginia State University were also among those who received threats. Howard University and Spelman College took precautions by locking down campus, although they did not receive a threat.

In a quote obtained by Politico, New York Representative Yvette Clarke touched on the matter.

The threats made against several Historically Black Colleges and Universities are not only vile—they are a chilling reminder of the relentless racism and extremism that continues to target and terrorize Black communities in this country,” Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), chair of the caucus, said in a statement.

Right now, the FBI is calling the series of threats “hoaxes” but is still taking the matter seriously. According to an FBI spokesperson, they have “no information to indicate a credible threat” but are working with local, state, and federal law enforcement on the case.

Many believe that the threats are an act of retaliation after conservative figure Charlie Kirk was shot and killed during a rally at Utah Valley University. That same day a shooting occurred at a high school in Colorado, leaving two students injured and the gunman dead.

Members of the Congressional Black Caucus are strongly encouraging a full investigation into the threats by the Department of Justice and the FBI. According to the Atlanta Daily World, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries called the HBCU threats “despicable.”

“These terroristic threats, designed to intimidate and foment hatred against everyday Americans—in this case, Black institutions of higher learning—cannot go unchallenged and must not be swept aside,” Clarke added. “Black students and HBCU communities deserve to be protected.”