Some St. Thomas students studying abroad in Italy received an email from the United States Embassy in Rome last week warning of the potential for terrorist attacks.
The email reads, in part:
“U.S. Embassy Rome informs U.S. citizens that the following locations have been identified as potential targets in Rome and Milan for terrorist attacks:
- St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City (Rome)
- The Duomo and La Scala in Milan
- General venues such as churches, synagogues, restaurants, theatres, and hotels in both cities are possible targets as well.
Terrorist groups may possibly utilize similar methods used in the recent Paris attacks. The Italian authorities are aware of these threats.”
The alert advised U.S. citizens in Italy to stay vigilant and monitor news coverage for more information.
Junior Elena Neuzil, a TommieMedia employee studying in Italy, said she and other students have recently noticed increased security.
“Students have been noticing an increase in national military personnel,” Neuzil said via text message. “Rome amped up security a few days ago.”
Timothy Dohmen, the associate director of Study Abroad, said there are always risks when studying abroad and that students can play a key role in keeping themselves safe.
“Students need to follow the established program emergency communications plan in place and take any advisories, warnings or cautions from their program staff seriously, especially when a critical incident has taken place,” Dohmen said via email.
All students who signed up in the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program received the email. Dohmen said that when travel warnings are issued, a St. Thomas committee meets to evaluate the situation.
“Students should take any message coming from the US Department of State or US Embassy very seriously, but they should be sure to read it carefully so that they understand the message, its urgency and how to proceed,” Dohmen said. “Onsite program staff can always be asked if clarification is needed about any security update like this one.”
Thirty-eight students are studying abroad in Italy.
Grace Pastoor can be reached at past6138@stthomas.edu.