Col Patterson

SnDMedia Verified account @SnDMediaNews · 10h

Gardaí Deem Nationwide School Bomb Threats ‘not credible’ As Hundreds of Schools Targeted

An Garda Síochána has assessed a wave of bomb threat emails sent to hundreds of schools across Ireland on Wednesday as not credible, advising that no evacuations are necessary.

The emails, titled “DEATH IS NEAR,” were received by primary and secondary schools north and south of the border, as well as media outlets including RTÉ and The Journal. Reports indicate roughly 300–400 schools in the Republic were contacted, with similar messages reaching schools in Northern Ireland, Italy and Scotland.

The messages claimed to come from “Mikhail Andropov, leader of the ‘Red Owl’ project” and alleged that an explosive device with a remote detonator had been left in a plastic bag inside the building, threatening mass casualties and further attacks. The same pseudonym was used in hoax threats to Irish and European media organisations last week.

Minister for Education and Youth Hildegarde Naughton confirmed that her department had liaised with senior gardaí and Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan. Official advice to schools is that the threat is not credible and there is no requirement to evacuate. Schools that received the email have been asked to contact emergency services on 999 and follow Garda guidance.

An Garda Síochána has said it is dealing with a large volume of calls and is engaging with affected schools in turn. Some schools in Dublin, Cork and elsewhere evacuated as a precaution before being cleared and reopened, no devices have been reported found.

The incidents form part of a recent pattern of hoax threats targeting schools, media and airlines in Ireland and Europe, occurring ahead of major EU summits in Dublin later this week. Authorities have previously linked similar activity to external actors. Speaking to SnD Media this morning, Dublin City Councillor Gavin Pepper Ballymun-Finglas said: “In this day and age the Gardaí should have an adequate cyber security team to trace who is doing these threats.”

Deputy Garda Commissioner Paul Cleary has reminded the public that anyone receiving a bomb threat by email or other means should contact An Garda Síochána immediately on 999 with as much detail as possible. A bomb threat does not automatically require evacuation, gardaí will assess credibility and advise on the appropriate response, which may include a search or further guidance.
Investigations into the origin of the emails are ongoing.

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james fahey @jamesfahey15 · 2d

Sad to hear of the passing of one of Irelands finest Balladeers Jonny McEvoy. May he RIP. 🙏🙏🙏

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