'No Specific Threat' To Cranford Schools After TikTok Challenge

CRANFORD, NJ — There will be an increased police presence at Cranford schools on Friday, as the district takes extra safety measures ahead of a nationwide challenge pushing violence in schools.

The Cranford Police Department will have increased patrols near the schools, out of an abundance of caution, but the New Jersey Office of School Preparedness and Emergency Planning and New Jersey Regional Operations & Intelligence Center have informed districts that there is no viable intelligence to support this as a legitimate threat to any school in New Jersey.

"I ask that you please remind your children not to share such messages and to report any potential threats that may come to their attention," wrote Cranford Public Schools Superintendent Scott Rubin.

The national trend appears to have originated on TikTok, and multiple law enforcement agencies across the country say they are monitoring reports of the challenge, which has encouraged students to threaten gun violence at their schools on Friday.

Read more: TikTok December 17 Challenge Has Police, Schools On High Alert