The FBI has warned of potential mass shootings targeting a Christian school and civic center in Honduras’ capital, forcing Americans to avoid these locations on specific dates while the threat is investigated by both U.S. and Honduran authorities.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. Embassy in Honduras issued a security alert regarding potential mass shooting threats in Tegucigalpa, specifically on May 6 and May 16.
- Identified targets include Elliot Dover Christian School, Centro Civico, and an unnamed shopping mall in Tegucigalpa.
- U.S. Embassy personnel have been instructed to avoid these locations, and American citizens are strongly urged to do the same.
- Honduras is already under a Level 3 travel advisory due to high crime levels, with the Gracias a Dios Department under a stricter Level 4 warning.
- Honduran officials suspect the threats may be politically motivated to create fear during an election year.
FBI Tip Sparks International Security Response
The FBI has informed the U.S. Embassy in Honduras about credible mass shooting threats targeting specific locations in Tegucigalpa, prompting immediate security measures. According to officials, the threats specifically mention the Elliot Dover Christian School, the Centro Civico, and an unnamed shopping mall, with potential attacks planned for May 6 and May 16. While authorities have stated that there is no indication American citizens are specifically targeted, the embassy has taken no chances with the safety of U.S. personnel or citizens traveling in the region.
“The U.S. Embassy in Honduras has received information of a threat of a mass shooting to take place today, May 6, in Tegucigalpa. The source also threatened such an event on May 16. The three target locations mentioned are the Elliot Dover Christian School in Tegucigalpa, the Centro Civico in Tegucigalpa, and an unnamed mall in Tegucigalpa,” stated the U.S. Embassy.
Tegucigalpa, Honduras: The U.S. Embassy in Honduras has received information of a threat of a mass shooting to take place May 6 and May 16. The three Tegucigalpa target locations mentioned are the Elliot Dover Christian School, the Centro Civico, and an unnamed mall.
U.S.… pic.twitter.com/IBnNcjl01S— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) May 6, 2025
Honduran Government Suspects Political Motivations
Honduran officials have expressed concern that these threats might be politically motivated, especially given the timing during an election year. Minister of Foreign Affairs Enrique Reina drew parallels between these threats and tactics used during the country’s 2009 coup d’état, suggesting that criminal groups may be working in collusion with political factions to create fear and instability. The situation reflects the ongoing challenges of governance in a nation still dealing with the legacy of violence and corruption that followed the 2009 military coup.
“It is concerning the intention to create fear and anxiety among the Honduran people, especially in an election year, which coincides with the tactics used by criminal groups to carry out their criminal activities and media manipulations in collusion with political groups during the (2009) coup d’état and the narco-state,” said Enrique Reina, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
The current administration under President Xiomara Castro has committed to thoroughly investigating these threats and has warned against potential political manipulation. This comes at a time when the country is still recovering from the severe damage to its political institutions during the tenure of former President Juan Orlando Hernandez, who was recently sentenced in the United States for drug trafficking, highlighting the deep connections between past political leadership and organized crime in Honduras.
Travel Warnings and Security Precautions
The U.S. State Department already advises Americans to reconsider travel to Honduras due to widespread violent crime throughout the country. The nation carries a Level 3 travel advisory, with the Gracias a Dios Department under an even more severe Level 4 warning due to its high levels of criminal activity and narcotics trafficking. These new specific threats have only heightened concerns about safety in the capital city, which is typically considered somewhat safer than other regions of the country.
“Due to the serious risk posed by this threat, U.S. Embassy personnel have been instructed to avoid those locations,” stated the U.S. Embassy.
Travelers to Honduras are advised to maintain a high level of awareness, avoid demonstrations, which frequently become violent, refrain from traveling at night, and avoid displaying signs of wealth. The Honduran government has previously declared a “State of Exception” in response to high crime levels, giving security forces expanded powers to combat criminal organizations. U.S. citizens currently in Honduras should stay alert, avoid large crowds, and follow local news closely, especially around the specified threat dates of May 6 and May 16.
