Tik Tok Threat Results In More Police At Cherry Hill Schools

CHERRY HILL, NJ — Saying the safety and security of students and staff is always the district’s priority, Cherry Hill Public School District Superintendent Joseph Meloche on Thursday said there will be an increased police presence at the district’s schools on Friday.

Their presence will be in response to a nationwide "challenge" on the social media app Tik Tok warning of the potential for school violence on Friday.

“In the wake of the Oxford, Michigan school shooting and the anniversary of the shootings at Sandy Hook, there has been a social media wave this week involving non-specific threats of violence in schools,” Meloche said. “Concerning social media images have circulated throughout the region and the country. Many of our building principals, our campus police officers, and our district staff have been involved in investigating and following up on concerns that were brought forward. We continue to work closely with the Cherry Hill Police Department each step of the way, and we continue to communicate with other school districts in South Jersey.”

Meloche referred to the “Shoot Up Your School Challenge,” which was addressed by the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness on Thursday.

“At this time, there appears to have been a generic threat shared on social media that has impacted various school districts,” Homeland Security said in a statement. “We believe these posts to be non-credible threats at this time, however, all threats are being reviewed, assessed, and shared with appropriate law enforcement entities throughout the State.”

Anyone who has any information about potential threats can make a report any time of the day to NJOHSP's CTWatch at 866-4SAFENJ (866-472-3365) or tips@njohsp.gov.

Earlier this week, a student at Cherry Hill High School West reported a threat that originated on Snapchat to the staff. Police were notified, and it was determined that the threat was generic. Read more here: Threat At Cherry Hill West Was 'Generic': Police

In addition to an increased police presence, the district is:

• Maintaining daily security protocols at all buildings: All concerns are documented and investigated;
• Providing access to counselors and staff for students who need additional support; and
• Utilizing the StopIT! App at all the district’s schools for students to make anonymous reports.

“If you, or your children, have questions or concerns, please reach out to the school, or to the district, or to me directly,” Meloche said. “Voicing concerns in this manner helps us all keep each other safe.”