Update (3:51 pm PDT): OSU’s Department of Public Safety has sent out a campus-wide email announcing they have arrested the individual accused of making the bomb threats. In the email, DPS stated all 75 Starship robots on the OSU campus have been inspected by a bomb detection dog, and none were found to contain an explosive device. The email also stated all food and beverage orders were cancelled and refunded at the time the threat was received.
According to Erika Pierce, marketing and communications manager for UHDS, delivery service is expected to resume at 4 pm.
Update (2:55 pm PDT): A Starship representative has informed The Daily Barometer that service is expected to resume later this afternoon.
Update (2:44 pm PDT): A Starship spokesperson has given the following statement to The Daily Barometer: “A student at Oregon State University sent a bomb threat, via social media, that involved Starship’s robots on the campus. While the student has subsequently stated this is a joke and a prank, Starship suspended the service. Safety is of the utmost importance to Starship and we are cooperating with law enforcement and the university during this investigation.”
The Daily Barometer has reached out to OSU Public Safety, who has not responded as of 2:44. We are working to verify the details of the threat and whether a student sent it.
Update (1:40 pm PDT): Public Safety dispatch has notified all OSU personnel that the emergency is over and given the all-clear. Inspection of the robots will continue at a secure location.
Original story here: At 12:17 p.m. on Oct. 24, Oregon State University Department of Public Safety dispatch pinged all OSU personnel to warn of a bomb threat in Starship food delivery robots, which travel across all corners of campus.
The notice stated, “Urgent OSU Alert: Bomb Threat in Starship food delivery robots. Do not open robots. Avoid all robots until further notice. Public Safety is responding.”
The Daily Barometer reached out to public safety to inquire about the threat. Due to the immediate urgency of the situation, public safety was unable to provide any information at this time.
Brian Stroup, Director of Operations and Facilities for University Housing and Dining Services, said that the robots are no longer in service while undergoing investigation, but campus dining centers are still open.
At 12:57 p.m., dispatch released another announcement stating, “Remotely isolating robots in a safe location. DPS continuing investigation. Remain vigilant for suspicious activity.”
As of 1:15 p.m., robots were sighted along NW 30th St. and public safety has cordoned off SW Jefferson Way past NW 30th St, closing the intersection due to the investigation.
This is a developing situation.
