ONU Resumes Normal Operations After Tuesday’s Bomb Threat

There were some anxious moments on the campus of Ohio Northern University in Ada Tuesday.

At around 2:25 Tuesday afternoon, a bomb threat was received and the campus was evacuated, and students were sheltered at Ada High School.

ONU Public Safety, the Ada Police Department, Hardin County Sheriff’s Office, Kenton Police, Forest Police, Perry Township Police, and the West Central Regional Bomb Squad responded and assisted in a search of campus buildings.

By 3:45pm, King-Horn was cleared.

Around 20 minutes later, the McIntosh Building was cleared, and the dining hall opened at 4:30.

At around 5:40pm, the all clear was given.

All ONU buildings were searched and cleared by law enforcement, and sudents were allowed to return to residence halls and other campus housing.

All academic buildings, including Heterick Library and the James Lehr Kennedy Engineering building remained closed until 7 this morning.

Classes and normal business operations, including the Child Development Center, Health Center, and Counseling Center, resumed this morning at 8, and the ONU Healthwise Pharmacy opened at 9 as scheduled.

University officials released this statement:

“We understand situations like these can be stressful. Assistance is available if you would like to speak to someone. Students, may call the Counseling Center to make an appointment or reach out to the Residence Life staff, if you need a listening ear. Faculty and staff may receive support through our Employee Assistance Program by calling 1-888-628-4824 or on the web.
We appreciate your patience as we worked to ensure the safety of our University community. We thank ONU Public Safety, the Ada Police Department, Hardin County Sheriff’s Office, Kenton Police, Forest Police, Perry Township Police, and the West Central Regional Bomb Squad for their swift response and thoroughness.”

Ada Police Chief Alec Cooper issued this release at around 1:15pm Wednesday May 6:

On May 5, 2026 at approximately 1:55 P.M., officers were dispatched to the campus of Ohio Northern University following a reported bomb threat that was made to their campus via phone.

In a coordinated effort between university administrative staff, ONU Public Safety, and multiple area law enforcement agencies, the entire campus was evacuated and cleared as a precautionary measure.

Following a thorough sweep of the grounds and facilities, the campus was deemed safe and officially reopened at 5:41 P.M.

The safety of our community remains our highest priority.

The successful resolution of this incident was made possible through the rapid assistance of several partner agencies. We would like to extend our gratitude to:

• Hardin County Sheriff’s Office
• Kenton Police Department
• Forest Police Department
• Perry Township Police Department
• Ohio Northern Public Safety
• West Central Regional Bomb Squad

This remains an active investigation. No further details regarding the nature of the threat are being released at this time.