An attack is announced
The false threats against 20 schools spread quickly
November 17, 2025 – 12:31Reading time: 1 minute.
Alleged threats of attacks on schools in Berlin spread fear. But the police soon realized that it was a deliberate forgery.
Announcements of attacks on around 20 schools in Berlin spread via messaging services led to riots over the weekend. However, police classified the threat as not considered serious and spoke of targeted disinformation.
A spokesman said police had been aware of the information since Sunday afternoon. The message was conveyed to several school groups and several institutions were named.
Based on an assessment of the situation carried out by State Police experts at the State Criminal Investigation Agency, there are no indications of any particular danger or threat.
“This is false information specifically intended to cause fear,” Berlin police said via the X text messaging service. Police warned against spreading unconfirmed rumors and asked that emergency numbers only be used in cases of acute emergency or real danger.
The police are investigating allegations of disturbing public peace by threatening to commit a crime. Now it is being investigated who is behind the spread of this message. Emergency services were “present and sensitive as usual” on Monday, police said.
