UAB Closes Campus Amid Concerns About Possible Protests

BIRMINGHAM, AL — The University of Alabama at Birmingham closed its campus early Thursday amid concerns over possible protests in the area and on campus. The school sent out an alert just after noon announcing the closure.

"Due to possible protests downtown, UAB will close at 2 p.m. today out of an abundance of caution," the alert said.

The city has braced itself for protests surrounding the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, similar to those seen in the city Sunday and Monday.

A fence was put in place surrounding Linn Park Thursday morning, according to an ABC 33/40 report.

"I understand the community’s concerns regarding the temporary restrictions placed on public protests. Trust me, I hear you," Woodfin said in a statement regarding the fence. "Unfortunately, the tragic consequences of this week’s protests, occurring both on our streets and around the country, demonstrate a clear and present danger to the safety of our residents, including peaceful protesters."

SEE ALSO:

• Protest Scheduled In Mountain Brook Thursday
• Linn Park Confederate Monument Removed By City
• UAB Leaders Condemn Killing Of George Floyd