Rome: Hundreds of schools across Italy were evacuated on Wednesday after approximately 6,300 educational institutions received bomb threat emails, triggering widespread concern among students, parents and school staff.
The threats prompted precautionary evacuations in several Italian cities, including Rome, Milan, Naples, Palermo and Bologna. Many parents rushed to schools to collect their children as lessons were suspended and security checks were carried out.
Around 300 Schools Evacuated
- Although approximately 6,300 schools received the threatening emails, reports indicated that at least 300 schools were evacuated. Police officers, bomb disposal specialists and other security personnel conducted inspections of affected institutions.
- Authorities reported that no suspicious explosive devices had been found and no injuries were reported.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni Responds
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the government was closely monitoring the situation through police and other public institutions.
- She stated that initial checks had found no evidence of an actual danger and described the threats as an apparent attempt to create fear and public concern.
- The threatening email also reportedly contained a threat against Meloni herself. She called for continued coordination among security agencies and government institutions.
Similar Threats Reported in UK and Ireland
- Similar threatening emails were received by schools in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
- However, authorities in these regions assessed the messages as hoaxes or non-credible threats. Schools were generally not required to evacuate, and classes continued in most affected institutions.
Investigation Underway
- Italian authorities are investigating the origin of the emails and the identity of those responsible. The messages reportedly used an anonymous identity, but investigators have not established who sent them.
- Authorities have not established any link between the school threats and a particular country, government or organisation.
Conclusion
- The mass bomb threat emails disrupted school activities across Italy and caused considerable concern among families. Although initial security checks found no evidence of explosives or an immediate danger, investigations remain ongoing to identify those responsible.
Sources: Reuters, Associated Press (AP), ANSA and CBS News, November 11, 2026.
