Gilroy High School Closed Friday After Social Media Threats

GILROY, CA — Gilroy High School canceled classes Friday “out of an abundance of caution” in response to a TikTok challenge that encourages students to threaten gun violence at their schools on Dec. 17.

A social media threat circulating online referenced “GHS,” though the Greenfield Police Department said the threat was directed at Gardena High School in the Los Angeles area.

The Gilroy Police Department is investigating the threat and working with the district to determine if it is credible, according to Gilroy High School officials. It is also increasing officer presence at district schools.

"Although the threats do not appear to be credible at this time, all perceived or actual threats of violence are taken extremely seriously," the police department said in a statement Thursday afternoon. The Gilroy Police Department is working with the Gilroy Unified School District (GUSD) to ensure appropriate precautions are taken for the safety of the students, faculty, and community."

School was in session Thursday, but officials made the “difficult decision” to cancel classes Friday, Gilroy Unified School District Superintendent Deborah Flores said in a statement.

Principal Greg Kapaku will provide information to students and families about how finals will be administered Friday, which is also the last day of the semester. Students return to campus Jan. 5.

“We understand that canceling classes presents an unintended disruption for our staff and students who have spent the last few weeks preparing for final exams before enjoying well-deserved time off for Winter Break,” Flores said. “We will continue to provide updates to you as they are available, and I thank you for your continued partnership in ensuring that our campuses remain safe.”

It's unclear where the December threat rumor originated, but a news release issued by the Tooele County School District in Utah said the original threat started as a way for students to skip school but "morphed into something much more disturbing."

The December challenge was one of several monthly challenges on the social media platform, according to some news reports.

In September, a challenge called "Devious Licks" encouraged acts of vandalism at schools. To participate, students and TikTok users shattered mirrors; stole soap dispensers, fire alarms and football field turf; and clogged toilets while filming the antics to post on TikTok.

RELATED: TikTok 'Devious Licks Challenge' Pushes Schools To Brink

"We want to remind all students and parents when you see a threat, report it, do not repost it," the Tooele district said in a statement. "Reposting a threat serves no purpose other than adding to the fear and uncertainty of the situation."