Authorities evacuated the Santiago Justice Center in Chile on Monday, June 22, 2026 [1], following a bomb threat reported early in the morning.
The incident disrupted judicial proceedings and forced the removal of high-ranking officials from the premises. Such threats against critical legal infrastructure highlight security vulnerabilities within the city's administrative core.
Police responded to the scene after receiving warnings via email and a call to the 133 emergency line [3]. Carabineros GOPE personnel, the specialized tactical unit of the Chilean police, conducted a sweep of the facilities to locate any potential hazards [1].
Hundreds of people were evacuated from the buildings [2]. Among those forced to leave the premises was Minister Ximena Lincolao [2]. The evacuation process affected multiple offices, and courtrooms within the Justice Center complex.
Following a thorough inspection by security teams, officials determined that no explosive device was present [4]. The threat was declared false, and the situation was stabilized without injuries or property damage.
Carabineros said the evacuation was a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of all personnel and visitors. The investigation into the origin of the emergency call and the emails continues as authorities seek to identify the individuals responsible for the false alarm [3].
“Hundreds of people were evacuated from the buildings”
The evacuation of a primary judicial hub underscores the impact of 'swatting' or hoax threats on state operations. By targeting a facility housing high-level ministers and court proceedings, the perpetrator caused significant operational downtime for the Chilean legal system, demonstrating how low-cost digital threats can trigger high-cost physical security responses.
