Local Schools are on alert today after a post Thursday on the social media platform Tik Tok reportedly was pushing students to threaten voilence within schools on December 17. Reports from local schools say they are all monitoring the situation and taking precautions
Chadron public schools issued the following release Friday morning.
“Late yesterday afternoon we were notified of a troubling post on the social media platform TikTok. The post is pushing students to threaten gun violence within schools on December 17. The post did not originate locally. While we are not aware of any evidence of a credible threat to our schools, we are monitoring the situation and taking it seriously. In addition to notifying staff to be aware and vigilant, the district has been in contact with the Chadron Police regarding the post. We will have an increased police presence in and around our buildings. We appreciate your support.”
The Associated Press reports... Some parents kept their children home, police stepped up patrols and educators tightened security protocols Friday in response to viral TikTok posts alluding to unconfirmed threats of violence that raised anxiety levels at schools nationwide. With stress levels already soaring from the effects of the pandemic and a rash of hoax threats following a deadly school shooting in Michigan on Nov. 30, districts said they were taking precautions out of an abundance of caution. TikTok has said it is working with law enforcement to look into the warnings. In Twitter posts on Friday, the company said it had not found content promoting violence at schools but found videos discussing the rumor and warning others to stay safe.
Earlier today Public schools in Rapid City closed after a social media post threatened a middle school amid nationwide TikTok posts warning of shooting and bomb threats. The Rapid City Police Department says officers believed the threatening social media post directed at "a North Middle School” had originated in Iowa. The department said Rapid City Area Schools canceled classes out of caution for the safety of students. The social media threats had many educators on edge as they circulated in the aftermath of a deadly school shooting in Michigan, which has been followed by numerous copycat threats to schools elsewhere.
Local Police Departments will continue to monitor.