Philadelphia universities on high alert after 4chan user warns of 'chaos' and 'sacrifice' at 1pm today

The threat was posted on 4chan the day after the Oregon shooting

The FBI has notified all Philadelphia area colleges and universities about a recent social media posting threating violence at a Philadelphia area college or university (Reuters)

Philadelphia universities are on high alert after a “threat of violence” was made against an unspecified institution in the area.

The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have told issued warnings about the threat, which promises violence in the area at 1pm this afternoon.

The threat was posted on 4chan, an anonymous message board, the day after the Oregon shooting.

The message reportedly praises the gunman as a fellow member of the “Beta Rebellion”, according to Philly Voice.

It continues: “On October 5, 2015 at 1:00 PM CT, a fellow robot will take up arms against a university near Philadelphia. His cries will be heard, his victims will cower in fear, and the strength of the Union will decay a little more”

“If you are in that area, you are encouraged to stay at home and watch the news as the chaos unfolds. His sacrifice will echo throughout the nation”

The FBI released the following statement over the weekend: “Out of an abundance of caution, the FBI Philadelphia Field Office notified local colleges and universities of a social media posting which threatened violence at a Philadelphia-area college or university for Monday, October 5.”

“No specific college or university was identified in the posting. We encourage students, faculty, and employees at area colleges and universities to follow the guidance of their campus security officials.”

“The FBI will continue to work with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to investigate threats of violence, and, as always, we ask the public to report suspicious activity to law enforcement.”

Philadelphia schools are downplaying the threat, but have warned students to be extra-cautious.

Temple University, in north central Philadelphia, said in a statement that local police are not aware of any specific threat at this time, but will have increased visibility on Monday.

Drexel University and the University of Pennsylvania, both in West Philadelphia, also released statements on Sunday regarding a safety advisory.

Drexel University said: “The FBI has notified all Philadelphia area colleges and universities about a recent social media posting threatening violence.”

“Since the shooting last week at a community college in Oregon, the FBI has seen similar social media postings throughout the country.”

University of Pennsylvania said: “In an abundance of caution we are working closely with Federal and local Law Enforcement Agencies to monitor this unspecified threat.”

A student at Drexel University told ABC News: "It's just kind of scary because Drexel isn't that safe of an area the way it is, just given its history, and the fact that we don't know which school and it's a very specific time."