The federal capital Vienna was already affected on Monday, as a spokesman for the APA State Police Directorate confirmed. On Tuesday there were threats in other federal states. In Eisenstadt the agricultural college was affected, in Tyrol the education directorate was affected. The police are checking the incidents, the APA said.
The Burgenland state government office received an email containing a threat. This was probably directed against the agricultural college; the students had to leave the building in the morning. In response to an APA request, the Burgenland State Police Directorate confirmed the existence of a threat. This will be taken seriously and examined. It was initially not clear which buildings the threats were directed at in Vienna.
No suspicious items found
There was also a bomb threat in Styria. The Education Directorate was affected here at around 9:00 a.m. During the police operation, “everything was searched and no suspicious objects were found,” as the Styrian State Police Directorate said. According to police, evacuation was not necessary. The incident was not made a big deal in communication because it was not intended to motivate more free riders.
In Tyrol, the education directorate in Innsbruck was affected by a bomb threat. The threat was sent by email, a police spokeswoman told APA. However, the executive assumed that there was a “low risk situation”, so no evacuation was carried out. As a precaution, however, the building was being searched and explosives detection dogs were also involved, it was said.
More on the topic
After serial bomb threats: Suspect located abroad
The incidents are reminiscent of a series of bomb threats against train stations across Austria in recent months. In mid-October, a 20-year-old suspect was finally located in Switzerland.
* What specific actions does Dr. Schmidt recommend to mitigate the risks associated with these threats?
## Interview with Security Expert on Recent Bomb Threats
**Host:** Joining us today is Dr. Anna Schmidt, a leading expert on security threats and terrorism. Dr. Schmidt, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Schmidt:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Today, we’re discussing the wave of recent bomb threats across Austria, targeting various institutions like agricultural colleges and education directorates. Could you shed some light on the situation?
**Dr. Schmidt:** Certainly. While the specifics of each case are still under investigation, it’s clear that we’re dealing with a series of coordinated threats. It’s unsettling to witness such a widespread campaign, especially targeting educational institutions, which are typically considered safe spaces.
**Host:** What are your thoughts on the motives behind these threats?
**Dr. Schmidt:**
It’s too early to definitively say what’s driving these threats. Authorities are exploring various possibilities:
* **Copycat effect:** Recent high-profile incidents, like the thwarted attacks on Taylor Swift concerts [cite [[1](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/taylor-swift-eras-tour-vienna-concert-attack-isis-al-qaeda-arrests-rcna165916)]] , could inspire individuals to emulate similar actions for notoriety.
* **Political or Ideological Motivation:** While no group has explicitly claimed responsibility, the target selection and timing might suggest a message being sent, though we need more information to identify the group or individuals behind it.
* **Hoaxers:**
Unfortunately, some individuals might find amusement or a sense of power in causing panic and disrupting public life.
**Host:** Thankfully, no explosives have been found in any of these incidents so far. What precautions can we take to mitigate risks and ensure safety in such situations?
**Dr. Schmidt:**
It’s vital to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement.
* **Report Suspicious Activity:** Any unusual packages, individuals acting suspiciously, or online threats should be reported immediately.
* **Emergency Preparedness:** Schools and institutions should review their safety protocols and ensure clear evacuation procedures are in place.
* **Media Responsibility:**
It’s crucial that media coverage avoids sensationalism and provides accurate, verified information to avoid panicking the public further.
**Host:** Dr. Schmidt, we appreciate your insights on this concerning issue. Hopefully, authorities will swiftly apprehend those responsible and bring a sense of security back to our communities.
**Dr. Schmidt:** I agree. Public safety is paramount, and collaborative efforts between law enforcement, communities, and the media are essential to effectively address these threats and prevent future incidents.
