No Threat To Berkeley Schools Amid TikTok 'Challenge'

BERKELEY, NJ — A nationwide social media challenge warning of the potential for school violence on Friday has prompted an alert from the Berkeley Township School District saying there is no threat locally.

“At this time, we are not aware of any specific threat to our schools or to the safety of our students,” wrote Superintendent James Roselli in a letter to parents. “Out of an abundance of caution, our school community should expect to see an increased police presence at all four of our schools on Friday, December 17.”

He continued, “Please speak with your child to let them know they should always report any threats to police and school officials. The safety of our students and staff is always our top priority.”

Schools around the state and the country are issuing similar statements prompted by reports of a TikTok challenge. Read more: TikTok School Gun Threat Has NJ Schools, Law Enforcement On Alert

Multiple law enforcement agencies say they are monitoring reports of the challenge, which has encouraged students to threaten gun violence at their schools on Friday.

The threat is a generic one to schools across the country, officials in several districts said as they tried to reassure families that students and staff will be safe.

The TikTok challenge comes on the heels of the ninth anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting and the Michigan school shooting on Nov. 30 that killed four students and injured several others.

It also comes after two weeks of threats and rumors against New Jersey schools, including some that involved firearms. Read more: 11 NJ School Threats, Some Involving Guns, In Past 2 Weeks

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