On Thursday, February 27, 2025, panic swept through several Valencian municipalities after the Guardia Civil arrested a 23-year-old man who sent threatening emails to educational institutions promising mass violence. The emails, which explicitly stated intentions to kill "as many people as possible" by placing bombs at Chiva, Buñol, Yátova, and Siete Aguas schools, led to immediate evacuations and heightened security measures.
The identified suspect, who has not been named officially due to local regulations, was described as having prior encounters with law enforcement. He was arrested at a mental health center and has reportedly acknowledged being the author of the threats.
Jose Antonio Rovira, the Education Counselor of the Generalitat Valenciana, expressed concerns about the reaction of the community, stating, "The email generated panic among families." He recognized the necessity of preventive measures during such threats, even if there is skepticism about their credibility. "When we’re talking about children and young people, it’s wise to take precautionary actions," he added.
Upon learning of the threats, local authorities across the implicated regions quickly coordinated with the Guardia Civil, enabling swift evacuation procedures for students and staff at all affected schools. Reports indicate parents received urgent communications through platforms like WhatsApp, informing them to pick up their children for safety.
Mayor Miguel Tórtola of Yátova confirmed the prompt evacuation of both the primary school and the daycare, asserting, "It became clear we needed to act quickly to preserve the well-being of our children and school staff." Following the reception of the email, surveillance units from the Guardia Civil deployed across the targeted educational institutions, searching for any possible explosive devices.
Despite the panic triggered by the threatening emails, sources close to the investigation indicated early on they did not perceive the threats as credible. Nonetheless, the distribution of the threat led to widespread alarm, prompting not just responses from directly affected municipalities but also neighboring towns, which urged calm among their residents.
"The incident has been recognized as alarming, but we are relieved to clarify there are no explosives at any of the schools," Rovira stated after communicating with various local authorities. Despite questioning the validity of the threats, he remarked on the value of preventive actions taken by law enforcement.
The email sender, identified as H. F. P., included personal details and admitted he was part of an online group, which has caught the attention of US authorities like the FBI for prior activities. These affiliations raise concerns about the possible influence of extremist networks on youth and their ensuing actions.
Following the arrest, schools in the Valencia region were cleared of all students and necessary security protocol checks were conducted by the Guardia Civil. No suspicious items were found during these searches, alleviating some concerns for the community.
Rovira suggested the day was filled with chaos, as families reacted to the immediate threat, necessitating communication and coordination among various educational institutions and local governments. While the immediate threat is neutralized, he emphasized the need to remain vigilant and prepared to address any future incidents effectively.
All schools closed for the day were anticipated to resume classes the following day, contingent on safety assessments and discussions with involved families. Authorities have encouraged parents to remain informed through official channels, pledging to provide updates as they assess the situation.
This alarming incident serves as a reminder of the potential psychological impacts on students, parents, and educators alike. The rapid responses by local authorities, education officials, and law enforcement showcased the importance of community vigilance, preparedness, and mental health awareness as they navigated this unsettling threat.
The aftermath has left many feeling shaken yet reassured by the efficient response from law enforcement. With peace restored, local leaders continue urging communities to remain united and watchful to maintain safety within schools and beyond.