Police In Schools Due To December 17 TikTok Challenge Threat

MOORESVILLE, NC — CMS schools and Iredell-Statesville Schools are on high alert Friday after a vague TikTok threat circulated nationally through social media.

"The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office has been made aware of several threats of violence toward Iredell-Statesville Schools tomorrow. Please know that we are actively investigating all threats made, and will consider each of them credible until deemed otherwise," said Sheriff Darren Campbell.

It's unknown where the TikTok threat originated, and has affected school districts nationwide after students and parents have reported the message. The message threatens gun violence, and has been shared all over the country. That's part of the problem, per Sheriff Campbell.

"We encourage parents and students to make this tremendous task a tad bit easier by refraining from spreading rumors concerning these threats via social media," said Campbell.

This is suspected to be the latest "TikTok Challenge" in a string of dangerous dares this year, including "devious licks" which prompted students to destroy school property, and another to assault teachers.

Regardless of where it started, school systems locally are on guard.

"As this situation deems necessary, we will have additional personnel strategically placed, in addition to their regular School Resource Officers. We encourage parents to talk to your children about these threats, and that each threat of violence will be taken seriously," said Campbell.

In CMS schools, police are present today.

"Although we cannot discuss the means, methods, specific resources used to manage our protective responsibilities, we continue to assess the situation, work with our SROs and allocate our resources as necessary to facilitate a safe learning environment for students in our jurisdiction," CMPD Officer Thomas W. Hildebrand told Patch.

Both law enforcement officers commended students and parents who "see something, say something."