University of Nebraska libraries in Omaha cleared following ‘potential threat’ report

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Libraries at the University of Nebraska-Omaha and the University of Nebraska Medical Center were evacuated on Monday.

According to UNO Police Department Deputy Chief Jerry Baggett, Criss Library on UNO’s campus was evacuated due to a threat of an explosive device just after 12:30 p.m.

About 45 minutes later, UNMC posted a similar alert for the McGoogan Health Sciences Library.

UNMC Alert: McGoogan Health Sciences Library was evacuated due to a potential threat and is closed until 3 PM due to law enforcement activity. Please avoid the area.

— University of Nebraska Medical Center (@unmc) January 12, 2026

The Criss Library was searched by campus police and the Omaha Police Department and was deemed safe around 1:15 p.m.

Both Criss Library and McGoogan Health Sciences Library reopened at 3 p.m. on Monday.

“Schools and businesses across the country received similar threats today,” Baggett said in a press release.

The spring semester started at all University of Nebraska campuses on Monday.