No Threat In Lacey, But Police On Alert Ahead Of TikTok Challenge

LACEY, NJ — A nationwide social media challenge warning of the potential for school violence on Friday has prompted an alert from the Lacey 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,” Superintendent Vanessa Clark wrote in a statement on the district's website. “Out of an abundance of caution, our school community should expect to see an increased police presence at all six of our schools on Friday, December 17.”

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

The district's latest announcement comes one week after police investigated an unsubstantiated threat at Lacey Township High School.

In a letter to parents on Monday, Principal Gregory Brandis said police officers would continue to maintain a presence within the high school for the safety of staff and students.

"Further, please talk to your children about these issues or speak to your children's guidance counselor if you have questions or concerns. When schools are not in session, please reach out directly to the Lacey Township Police Department in the event of an emergency," Brandis said.

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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