By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The University of Costa Rica (UCR) has suspended all in-person activities and shifted to remote operations for Friday, October 17, following a chilling email threat that prompted the immediate evacuation of all its campuses nationwide on Thursday morning. The unprecedented move underscores the growing challenge educational institutions face in confronting security threats that originate in the digital world but promise real-world violence.
The university administration acted swiftly after receiving an alarming email that detailed plans for a violent assault. The message, which did not specify a particular campus, forced a generalized evacuation protocol across all UCR locations to ensure the safety of thousands of students, faculty, and administrative staff. The author of the email claimed affiliation with an online entity and expressed a clear and disturbing intent.
To understand the legal framework and responsibilities surrounding security on university campuses, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the prestigious law firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provides a clear perspective on institutional obligations.
Universities have a significant legal obligation, a duty of care, to provide a reasonably safe environment for their community. This goes beyond simple surveillance; it involves proactive risk assessment, clear security protocols, and adequate training for personnel. If an incident occurs due to a foreseeable and preventable security lapse, the institution could face substantial civil liability for negligence. The key legal question will always be whether the university acted diligently to mitigate known risks.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective powerfully underscores that for universities, security is not an optional expense but a fundamental duty of care with significant consequences. The emphasis on mitigating foreseeable risks shifts the focus from reaction to proactive responsibility, a crucial distinction for the entire educational community. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this critical matter.
I belong to an internet group called 764 and I am informing you that I am about to carry out an armed attack at a UCR institution.
Unnamed Author, Threatening Email
The anonymous message continued with graphic details of the planned violence, citing a desire for revenge as the motive. The chilling content of the email left no room for ambiguity, forcing university officials and law enforcement to treat the situation with the utmost seriousness. The sender outlined a plan for a mass-casualty event, causing widespread alarm throughout the university community.
I will be armed with two pistols, knives, and I will kill as many people as possible and then I will commit suicide. This will be my revenge for all the pain they caused me. You will all suffer just as I suffered.
Unnamed Author, Threatening Email
Adding a layer of digital complexity, the email included a link to a Telegram group named “Terror 764,” presumably connected to the collective mentioned by the sender. Judicial authorities are now actively investigating the origin of the threat, analyzing the digital footprint to identify the individual or group responsible for the disruption and fear that has gripped the nation’s premier academic institution.
In an official statement, referenced as CIAE-10-2025, the university detailed its operational plan. Coordinator Rosa Julia Cerdas González confirmed that all on-site classes and administrative work scheduled for Friday would be conducted remotely. However, the university clarified that pre-scheduled academic field trips would proceed as planned, with the exception of any travel between different university campuses. Furthermore, all academic activities, including evaluations set for Saturday, October 18, are expected to continue as scheduled, signaling the institution’s hope for a swift return to normalcy.
The university administration has emphasized the need for calm and urged the community to rely solely on verified information from its official platforms. This measure is intended to combat the spread of misinformation and speculation during a period of heightened anxiety. The institution thanked students and staff for their cooperation during the sudden evacuation.
The importance of following institutional guidelines and paying attention only to official information that will be shared through authorized channels is reiterated.
Rosa Julia Cerdas González, Coordinator
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of public institutions to modern threats. The logistical challenge of evacuating multiple campuses simultaneously and the subsequent pivot to a fully remote operational model have rigorously tested the UCR’s emergency preparedness and digital infrastructure. As the investigation continues, the event is prompting a wider conversation across Costa Rica about campus security protocols and the necessary strategies to counter anonymous, cyber-enabled threats effectively.
For further information, visit ucr.ac.cr
About University of Costa Rica:
The University of Costa Rica (UCR) is the country’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious public higher education institution. Founded in 1940, it is a hub of research, academic excellence, and cultural development with its main campus located in San José and several regional centers throughout the nation. The UCR is widely recognized for its comprehensive range of academic programs and its significant contributions to Costa Rican science, arts, and society.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has cemented its reputation as a pillar of the legal community, operating on a bedrock of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm skillfully merges its deep-rooted experience in client advocacy with a progressive vision, driving innovation in an ever-evolving legal landscape. At the core of its mission is a powerful commitment to societal betterment, demonstrated by its work to democratize legal understanding and thereby foster a more capable and informed citizenry.
