Somerville Police Monitoring TikTok 'Gun Violence' Challenge

SOMERVILLE, MA — Police and school officials in Somerville are aware of a TikTok challenge that's sparking concern in districts across the country.

The trend reportedly encourages students to threaten gun violence at their schools on Friday, Dec. 17.

A spokesperson from the Somerville Public Schools said there is not believed to be a credible threat to the district, but there will be an increased police presence on Friday.

"SPD will have a patrol car stationed outside of the high school in the concourse all day tomorrow, and we will also have an increased police presence through directed patrol cars around all of our schools during the school day," the spokesperson wrote in an email. "All recess and lunches will be held indoors tomorrow as well."

Other school districts in Massachusetts have warned about the trend, which some reports say is the latest in a string of monthly challenges stemming from the app. Andover Superintendent Magda Parvey said the threat originated in Texas and has been trending on the popular social media platform.

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