Some Carlow schools close following threatening email

Several primary schools in County Carlow, Ireland, remained closed Wednesday following the receipt of a threatening email detailing a potential mass shooting involving staff and children. Gardaí are investigating the incident, which is understood to have targeted up to 16 primary schools in Carlow town and Tullow. Some schools opened, while others followed advice from gardaí to close. Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál, an all-girls primary school, alerted parents to the closure due to the threatening email, prioritizing the safety of its school community. Parents are advised to follow official updates and avoid spreading unverified information. A Garda investigation team has been established, with Superintendent Anthony Farrell stating that efforts are underway to identify the sender and assess the credibility of the message. He also warned of a possible follow-up ransomware attack, urging recipients not to click any links and to report any suspicious emails to Carlow Garda Station. Targeted patrols, including armed units, are being conducted. Among the schools that closed were Scoil Mhuire Gan Smál, the Church of Ireland Primary School, St Laserians special school, Scoil Mhuire Lourdes in Tullow, St Fiacc’s NS, Ballyconnell NS, Rathvilly primary school, Scoil Molaise in Old Leighlin, Askea NS, Rathmore NS, Drumphea school, and St Columba’s. Local councilor Browne confirmed the emails originated from unknown Gmail accounts and that schools are liaising with gardaí. He noted an increased Garda presence and described the threat as outrageous, emphasizing the need for vigilance while avoiding overreaction. He stated that safety in schools would be re-evaluated after the scare subsides. No secondary schools are believed to have received the emails.

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a process is under way to establish the identity of sender and credibility of message There was no advance warning of this email.