Incident Summary = grok
On September 30, 2025, Utah State University (USU) in Logan, Utah, experienced a bomb threat that led to the evacuation of its historic Old Main building around 3:00 p.m. local time. The threat occurred just hours before a scheduled Turning Point USA (TPUSA) event titled "This Is the Turning Point Tour," set to begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Dee Glen Smith Spectrum arena. The event, hosted by the USU TPUSA chapter, featured speakers including Alex Clark, Senator Mike Lee, Representative Andy Biggs, former Congressman Jason Chaffetz, and Governor Spencer Cox.
A suspicious package was discovered near the exterior of Old Main, prompting an immediate response from campus police, local law enforcement, and a bomb squad. Witnesses reported officers shouting "Fire in the hole!" three times before a controlled detonation occurred around 3:15 p.m., producing a small explosion sound. The building was cordoned off, and students and staff were instructed to avoid the area and elevators during the evacuation.Key Details
- Nature of the Device: Authorities determined the package was non-explosive after inspection. The detonation was performed "out of an abundance of caution" to neutralize any potential risk, with no injuries or further damage reported.
- Connection to TPUSA Event: The suspicious package was found in Old Main, which is not near the Spectrum arena where the TPUSA event was held. University officials emphasized that the incident did not directly impact the event venue. Enhanced security measures—such as metal detectors, bag checks, and crowd screening—were already in place for the TPUSA gathering due to its high-profile nature.
- All-Clear and Event Status: By late afternoon, the Old Main building was declared safe, and all campus activities resumed normally. The TPUSA event proceeded as planned, with TPUSA representatives confirming on social media that "nothing to be worried about—come on down!" No arrests have been publicly announced, though investigations into the threat's origin are ongoing.