A bomb threat was reported at the Papa John’s Pizza on 24th Avenue S. and West End Avenue, per an AlertVU notification sent to Vanderbilt community members at approximately 6:55 p.m. CDT. Another notification was sent at around 7:45 p.m. CDT, stating that the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) had secured the area and given an all-clear.
Traffic on West End Avenue was being redirected around Papa John’s before the all-clear was given.
“ALERT! Bomb Threat at Papa Johns, Metro Nashville Police Dept. has shut down 24th Av S. and West End,” the first message read. “Waiting the arrival of Metro Nashville Police Dept. Bomb squad! Non-emergency updates will be posted to the website alertvu.vanderbilt.edu when they become available.”
MNPD has not yet responded to The Hustler’s requests for comment. A Vanderbilt University Police Department (VUPD) officer referred The Hustler to the university’s communications office. A university spokesperson declined to comment on the situation at the time as it was still developing.
“Metro Nashville Police Dept. has secured the area and has given the all clear,” the final AlertVU update reads. “No Threats Found.”
A second AlertVU update was sent to students at approximately 7:30 p.m. CDT before the all-clear, stating that MNPD was still investigating the scene and advising students to stay clear of the area. The notification also reads that, in the event of an emergency, students should call either 911 or VUPD at 615-421-1911.
The Papa John’s delivered pizzas to the Sexual Assault Awareness Month Block Party to the West End neighborhood at approximately 5:15 p.m. CDT before students were notified of the bomb threat.
