Andover Schools Warned Of 'TikTok Gun Violence Challenge'

ANDOVER, MA — Andover Public Schools and police are preparing for a "national TikTok Challenge of gun violence" Friday, but they "believe there is no credible threat," Superintendent Magda Parvey said in a letter to the school community Thursday.

Police and school officials will be "extra vigilant" Friday due to the TikTok challenge, out of an abundance of caution.

"The threat originated out of Texas and has been trending on TikTok," Parvey said. "As a result of this information, I have been in contact with Andover Police Chief Keefe and Detective Sergeant Higginbottom. Both have shared that there has not been a direct threat to Andover brought to their attention."

Police cars will patrol district schools Friday, Parvey said. Police are monitoring the situation.

"The safety and security of our students and staff is our first priority in Andover Public Schools," the superintendent said. "Should your child(ren) express concern about this most recent TikTok challenge, please contact your school building administrator or social worker. You may also encourage your child to share this information with a trusted adult who may guide them to additional support at school."

Other schools and districts across the state and country have responded to gun violence threats over the past week. Wrentham police told parents Wednesday that they would be patrolling schools Friday due to a Snapchat post threatening a shooting. Some school districts have increased security in the weeks since four students were killed in a mass shooting at a Michigan high school Nov. 30.

"While we do not anticipate anything in our schools or district, we would be remiss if we were not extra vigilant regarding safety and security at our schools tomorrow, as a result of this TikTok challenge," Parvey said. "We thank the Andover Police Department for their support and patrol of our schools tomorrow."

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.