Gardaí issue update re threatening emails sent to Carlow schools

Gardaí have confirmed that 20 out of the 42 primary schools in County Carlow received a threatening email this morning, Wednesday 27 May 2026, just after 7am. The message was not aimed directly at any one school but allegedly spoke broadly of a shooting. 

They said the threatening email was likely routed through another country and the credibility of the message is still being investigated. There was no advance warning of this threat, said gardaí. No secondary schools were sent the message.

A Garda investigation team was established in Carlow Garda Station after schools reported the email to them. Members of An Garda Síochána have been in touch with all affected schools during the course of the day.

While some schools have made the decision to close, gardaí said reopening schools tomorrow is a matter for each school Board of Management.

Lines of communication have also been opened at a senior level with the Department of Education and Youth.

High visibility patrols have been in place throughout the day and will remain in place in the coming days in the environs of all primary schools in Co. Carlow.

If caught, the perpetrator could be charged with offences under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Persons Act.