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Two Pierce County colleges closed after threat

The Pierce College District said a threat is being investigated by police, and two of its campuses are being closed.

PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — An investigation of a threat by police prompted an evacuation and closure of two Pierce County community colleges Monday.

Just after 11:30 a.m., Pierce College District shared a social media post that mentioned a threat was being actively investigated and that campuses should be evacuated.

The Fort Steilacoom and Puyallup campuses were closed "out of caution" Monday after the college reported a received threat to law enforcement.

The Lakewood Police Department said Monday that the college received an "electronic threat." Officers contacted the account owner who sent the email but didn't find any information that "built credibility."

Lakewood police also said the evacuation was made at the sole discretion of the college.

Pierce College District issued a statement around 4 p.m. on Monday that read, in part:

"While law enforcement was conducting their investigation, out of an abundance of caution for the safety of our students and staff, Pierce College District opted to close both Fort Steilacoom and Puyallup campuses; through communication with JBLM, we determined the threat at JBLM was minimal.  The Lakewood Police Department’s investigation has revealed there is no imminent threat to our campuses, and we will reopen tomorrow with our normal operations."

This is a developing story. Check back for updates. 

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