TikTok school threat warning of shootings ramps up security but deemed not credible

School districts across the U.S. increased security and cancelled classes on Friday as threats warning of shootings and violence in schools circulate on TikTok.

The TikTok trend refers to a threat to school safety “for every school in the USA, even elementary” on Friday, December 17. The trend or challenge calls on students to commit acts of violence. The origin of the trend remains unknown.

The Department of Homeland Security responded to the trend by saying it “is aware of public reporting that suggests possible threats to schools on December 17, 2021. DHS does not have any information indicating any specific, credible threats to schools but recommends communities to remain alert.”

DHS is aware of public reporting that suggests possible threats to schools on December 17, 2021. DHS does not have any information indicating any specific, credible threats to schools but recommends communities remain alert.

— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) December 17, 2021

TikTok’s communication team also responded to the threats in their Twitter account. “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.”

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.

— TikTokComms (@TikTokComms) December 16, 2021

Despite law enforcement’s claim that the threat might not be real, several schools throughout the country have taken precautions by increasing security or even closing the schools for the rest of the day.

Authorities in several cities have warned that students could face real consequences for threatening the safety of staff and students.