Italian schools targeted by coordinated bomb threat emails

The threats primarily impacted schools in Rome, but also extended to other major Italian cities.

Antonello Giannelli, president of the National Association of School Principals, characterized the incident as the actions of a hoaxer aiming to create disruption. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto echoed this sentiment, stating the threats were intended to instill fear among families.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s cabinet will hold an emergency meeting later today to address the situation, according to a statement from the Palazzo Chigi. Meloni, in a social media post, assured citizens that authorities are actively monitoring the events and working to provide reassurance.

“At this time, based on the investigations conducted, there is no evidence to suggest that a concrete danger exists. Rather, the reports appear to be part of a strategy aimed at causing alarm,” Meloni stated.

The threatening emails bear the same false name as similar messages recently sent to news organizations in Bulgaria and Ireland. Approximately 300 schools in Northern Ireland were also targeted, though the source of those threats remains unconfirmed.

This incident follows a series of cyberattacks across Europe targeting essential services, raising concerns about coordinated hybrid warfare. France recently summoned Iran’s ambassador regarding cyberattacks impacting supermarkets, and Tehran has denied involvement. Defense Minister Crosetto cautioned against immediately attributing the attacks to foreign entities, suggesting that some perpetrators may be individuals seeking attention.