Over 100 Italian Schools Evacuated Amid Bomb Threats and Meloni Warning
More than 100 schools across Italy were evacuated following bomb threats sent via email, which also included a direct threat against Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
A major wave of security alerts swept across Italy on Wednesday as more than 100 schools received threatening emails warning of explosive devices planted inside the buildings. The messages also included an explicit threat against the life of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, prompting widespread evacuations and extensive police inspections.
The threatening messages began arriving at around 09:50 to the official email addresses of educational institutions across the country. According to Italian media reports, dozens of schools in Rome, Milan, Naples, Bologna, Florence, Turin, and Palermo were affected. Bomb squads and law enforcement units were immediately deployed to inspect the premises and ensure the safety of students and staff.
The emails, signed under the name "Mikhail Andropov," claimed that explosives had been placed inside the schools and warned of attacks against Italian citizens. Furthermore, the sender made a direct threat against Prime Minister Meloni, claiming that a device had been planted in her car's engine. Authorities have not confirmed the presence of any actual explosive devices in the schools or associated with the prime minister.
Italian cyber police and security agencies have launched an active investigation into the origin of the threats. Initial findings suggest the emails were sent using domains associated with a university in Taiwan, though investigators are examining whether the sender utilized forged addresses or compromised email accounts to mask their true location.
Security officials noted that the name "Mikhail Andropov" had previously appeared in connection with recent bomb threats targeting commercial flights across Europe. Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi convened security chiefs to address the rising wave of cyber threats and disruption campaigns aimed at undermining public safety.
