The University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria was evacuated after receiving a threatening email warning of an imminent “massacre”, in which the sender claimed they would arrive on campus armed with AK-47 rifles. The message, sent to university authorities, triggered an immediate emergency response due to the explicit and credible nature of the language used.
Staff and students were instructed to leave the premises as a precautionary measure, while access to affected buildings was restricted. The evacuation took place calmly and without reported injuries, with individuals guided by security personnel and university staff following established safety protocols.
Police response and security measures
Rapid deployment and controlled access
The Policía Nacional and local security forces were deployed to the campus within minutes of the alert being raised. Officers conducted systematic searches of university facilities, surrounding grounds and access points, ensuring that no armed individual was present on site. Entry to the campus was sealed off while the inspection was carried out.
Authorities confirmed that the measures were taken purely as a precaution and that no weapons or suspicious persons were discovered during the operation. The priority, they stressed, was the safety of students, lecturers and administrative staff while the situation was assessed.
Investigation into the threat
Tracing the origin of the email
Police opened a formal investigation to determine the identity of the person responsible for sending the threatening message. Cybercrime units were tasked with analysing the email’s origin, tracing IP addresses and identifying any possible links to previous incidents or known individuals.
Officials have not confirmed whether the threat was considered credible terrorism-related intent or a hoax, but reiterated that such communications are treated with maximum seriousness due to the explicit reference to firearms and mass violence. The university has pledged full cooperation with law enforcement throughout the investigation process.
Impact on students and academic operations
Disruption and institutional response
Academic activities were temporarily suspended during the evacuation and security checks, affecting lectures, examinations and administrative operations. University representatives communicated with students and staff via official channels to keep them informed and to prevent misinformation spreading.
The institution reassured its community that all safety protocols had functioned effectively and emphasised its commitment to maintaining a secure learning environment. Psychological support services were made available for those affected by anxiety or distress caused by the incident.
Summary
- The University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria was evacuated following an email threatening a “massacre”.
- The sender claimed they would arrive armed with AK-47 rifles.
- Police conducted a full security sweep and found no weapons or suspect on campus.
- An investigation is ongoing to identify the individual responsible.
- No injuries or physical incidents were reported during the evacuation.
Continuing vigilance
Authorities urge responsibility and calm
Police and university officials have urged the public to avoid speculation and to rely solely on verified institutional updates. They reiterated that false threats are criminal offences and carry serious legal consequences, particularly when they lead to mass disruption and public fear.
While the situation remains under investigation, authorities maintain that the swift response prevented any potential harm and demonstrated the importance of emergency preparedness in educational institutions.
