On the morning of May 9, 2025, the University of Warsaw Library (BUW) was urgently evacuated following a report of a possible explosive device, marking yet another incident in a series of bomb threats that have been plaguing educational institutions across the city. The evacuation was prompted shortly after classes commenced, as an anonymous notification about a bomb was received, leading to a swift response from emergency services.
According to reports from the Warsaw Fire Department, dozens of similar bomb threats were received throughout the morning, targeting various educational buildings in Warsaw. "We received several reports of potential explosives in educational institutions across the city," stated Łukasz Zagdański from the Warsaw Fire Department. These alarms have been classified by police as organized and repetitive disinformation actions, indicating a potential coordinated effort to disrupt public order.
The evacuation of the library was executed efficiently and without panic, with around 250 individuals, including students, faculty, and administrative staff, being safely led out of the building. Emergency services, including police and fire units, arrived promptly at the scene to manage the situation. One student remarked, "The evacuation went smoothly and without panic," highlighting the effective response by the authorities.
Despite the organized nature of these threats, emergency services are treating every report with utmost seriousness. "Our priority is the safety of the public," emphasized police officials, who confirmed that each location under alarm is being thoroughly checked by specialist pyrotechnic teams, ensuring that no potential danger is overlooked.
The series of bomb threats comes just two days after a tragic incident occurred on the same campus. On May 7, a 53-year-old female university employee was killed in an axe attack by a man who had entered the campus. Another university guard was seriously injured while trying to assist her. The perpetrator, a 22-year-old Polish citizen named Mieszko R., was arrested and charged with murder with particular cruelty, attempted murder, and desecration of a corpse. According to prosecutors, Mieszko R. confessed to the acts, although his defense attorney has denied this claim.
In light of the recent violence and the ongoing bomb threats, the university remains on high alert. Classes were canceled, and individuals present in the BUW were instructed to wait outside for further information. The university's spokesperson reassured the community, stating, "The situation is under control. We ask everyone to remain calm and follow the instructions of the authorities."
Experts are increasingly concerned about the implications of these repeated bomb threats, viewing them not only as a criminal act but also as a significant threat to the functioning of public institutions. The police have urged anyone with information regarding the perpetrators to come forward, as false bomb threats can lead to severe legal consequences, including imprisonment for up to eight years.
As the investigation into the source of these threats continues, the university and local authorities are emphasizing the importance of vigilance and public cooperation in ensuring safety. The cascading nature of these reports has raised alarms about the potential for organized cyberattacks aimed at sowing chaos and destabilizing public order.
As the situation unfolds, the University of Warsaw community is left grappling with the dual challenges of ensuring safety in the wake of violence and navigating the complexities of disinformation campaigns that threaten to disrupt their educational environment. The police and fire departments remain committed to addressing these challenges head-on, reinforcing their message that every threat will be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.
In a time when educational institutions should be havens of learning and growth, the recent events have highlighted the vulnerabilities they face in an increasingly complex and often dangerous world. The response from the authorities has been commendable, but the need for enhanced security measures and public awareness is more critical than ever.
