A warning has been issued to parents over a new TikTok challenge threatening violence against schools on December 17. Schools around the country have beefed up security today as the challenge swept across the social media app.
A TikTok challenge has led to an increase in school security While the origin of the challenge remains unclear, it allegedly evolved into threats of violence including bomb threats and shootings, prompting students to skip school on December 17. TikTok did acknowledge the situation, posting a series of tweets regarding the challenge. ...We handle even rumored threats with utmost seriousness, which is why we're working with law enforcement to look into warnings about potential violence at schools even though we have not found evidence of such threats originating or spreading via TikTok,... a tweet from December 16 reads. In an update posted midday December 17, @TikTokComms stated they've ...exhaustively searched... for content relating to the challenge and the alleged threats. ...What we find are videos discussing this rumor and warning others to stay safe,... they stated. ...Local authorities, the FBI, and DHS have confirmed there's no credible threat, so we're working to remove alarmist warnings that violate our misinformation policy. If we did find promotion of violence on our platform, we'd remove and report it to law enforcement.... Most read in News UNDER FIRE What to know about Judge Michelle Odinet 'SHOPPING CART KILLER' 'Serial killer' who moves bodies in Target cart is probed as 4 slain IN COLD BLOOD Mexican actress shot dead while waiting to pick up her son, 11, from football TIKTOK THREAT Warning over challenge that urges kids to bring WEAPONS to school tomorrow CASHFLOW Five stimulus check payment programs to replace the monthly $300 child tax credit WE WANT JUSTICE Grieving dad of model's friend wants three suspects hit with MURDER charges The account shared a guide on its website to help users and the public assess the challenges that tend to trend on the platform. But many school districts across the country took action by actively pursuing the threats and stepping up security at campuses. A handful of schools in Ohio issued statements regarding the threats and shared their response plans. FOX8 reported that at least five school districts either closed or promised to increase security at schools on December 17. More schools- including in New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Arizona, and Washington- also responded to the challenge by investigating and even calling for an increase in police presence. In California, a 14-year-old was arrested after authorities were notified of an alleged threat against Auburndale Intermediate School, according to ABC7. In a news release, Corona, California Police said: ...Out of an abundance of caution, officers were assigned to be present at the school during the day.... An increase in threats of violence against schools has been seen following the shooting in Oxford, Michigan that claimed the lives of four students on November 30. All schools in Oxford were closed earlier this week due to a threat against one of the middle schools in the district. A statement released by school officials on the district website stated: ...We immediately notified law enforcement, who are investigating. Out of an abundance of caution, we are canceling school in all our buildings on Tuesday, Dec. 14. ...We plan to do a full security check of all our buildings while our security experts and law enforcement conduct their investigation. We apologize for this inconvenience and ask for your continued patience and understanding during this challenging time.... The statement continues with a reminder to parents. ...Please talk to your students and remind them that all threats at Oxford Community Schools will be taken seriously, investigated by law enforcement, and will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.... We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The US Sun team? Email us at exclusive@the-sun.com or call 212 416 4552. Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheSunUS and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunUS Source:
