On Monday night, an unknown individual(s) placed a hoax bomb at one of the entrances to Piñon Hall dormitory. While the investigation into the device is still underway, we can say that there were no explosives in the device and no written communication. A number of public safety agencies responded to help ensure the safety of our campus, including the NMSU Police and Fire Departments, the Las Cruces Police Department, the Doña Ana County Sheriff's Department, the Mesilla Marshall's Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. As with the hoax device that was placed at the Center for Performing Arts in early October, the federal agencies are taking the lead in the investigation.
We appreciate the person who saw this device, recognized that it was suspicious, and reported it immediately. We encourage everyone on campus to continue to remain vigilant and report any unattended bags or suspicious devices. We also ask people not to leave their personal property, especially bags and containers, unattended anywhere on campus except in their own offices or residences.
Anyone with information regarding the person(s) who placed the hoax bomb last night is asked to contact the NMSU Police Department (575-646-3311), the FBI (1-800-CALL-FBI), or Las Cruces Crime Stoppers (1-800-222-TIPS).
Stephen Lopez
Chief of Police
New Mexico State University Police Department