Four schools in the Maule region suspended in-person classes this Tuesday, April 14, after receiving threats of shootings on their campuses. The institutions, which fall under the Maule Costa Local Public Education Service (SLEP), activated emergency protocols to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Lucila Godoy School in Linares was among the first to report the situation. The institution confirmed it had become aware of a threat similar to others that have recently targeted schools across the country and decided to suspend academic activities as an exceptional measure.
“Our institution became aware of a threat affecting the safety of our school,” the official statement detailed. The school has already filed a formal complaint with the Carabineros (national police) and the Linares Local Prosecutor's Office, while maintaining communication with the Ministry of Education.
Threats discovered in school bathrooms
In the province of Cauquenes, the Liceo Claudina Urrutia in Lavín reported finding a message in one of its bathrooms mentioning the possibility of a “shooting on the 21st.” The school's principal, Rafael Pincheira Leiva, confirmed that security protocols were activated and that they are working alongside the Carabineros to investigate the origin of the message.
A similar situation is occurring at Liceo San Ignacio in Empedrado. Principal Esteban Eduardo Castillo Gómez reported that on April 13, a message threatening a “shooting” was discovered in the school's bathrooms.
In response to this situation, Liceo San Ignacio also decided to suspend classes for this Tuesday, with instructions to resume normal activities on Wednesday, April 15.
Finally, Liceo Federico Albert Faupp in Chanco also implemented emergency measures. The Maule Costa SLEP issued a statement announcing the total suspension of all teaching activities for its students after receiving a message that read: “Shooting tomorrow at the high school.”
School authorities have called on parents and guardians to avoid spreading unverified information on social media. The SLEP also requested that parents speak with their children about the gravity of spreading such threats, which impact the emotional well-being of the entire school community.