Wave of Bomb Threats in Europe Disrupts Schools in Italy

In depth

Threatening emails were sent to schools across Italy warning that explosive devices had been planted. Following the alerts, students and staff were evacuated, and police and bomb disposal units were called in to sweep the institutions.

Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara confirmed the scope of the evacuations, and the Education Ministry said some 6,300 schools had received a threatening message. In parallel, another threat was received aimed at Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, claiming that a bomb had been planted in her vehicle.

Similar threats were received in Scotland and Northern Ireland, but police there recommended keeping schools open and assessed that the alerts were hoaxes. Authorities in both places are investigating the source of the threats, and so far no explosive devices have been found at any institution.