School Gun Violence Threats On TikTok: Valley View Aware

Bolingbrook IL

16 December, 2021

6:27 PM

Description

BOLINGBROOK, IL — Valley View School District is aware of a TikTok challenge circulating nationwide encouraging students to threaten gun violence at their schools Friday, according to a message from the district. "The purpose of this message is to inform you about this matter while not causing any undue harm," the district said. Valley View officials said on Facebook that there is no indication that a post on TikTok alleging a threat toward schools is directed at any Valley View school. Although it's not clear where the threat originated, a Utah school district issued a news release saying the threat started as a way for students to skip school, Patch reported. The challenge is among several others that emerge monthly stemming from the video-sharing platform. In September, the "Devious Licks" challenge had schools nationwide threatening consequences. "The post on TikTok claims nationwide 'school shooting and bomb threats for every school in the USA even elementary' that will supposedly take place on Friday," the district said. "The original post is general and not directed at any specific school in the country. So far, the origins of this post are unknown, and there is no indication this post came from within VVSD." According to the district, the Statewide Terrorism and Intelligence Center is aware of this threat as several states have reported this threat is circulating through their school districts. "At this time, the STIC currently has no specific information concerning any threats or attacks planned at any Illinois school," the district said. "VVSD takes any threat to school security very seriously. In addition to assistance from STIC, we also alert local law enforcement and investigate these matters on our own." The district said the most important tool in keeping schools safe is being observant of any suspicious activity, and if you see or hear something concerning, say something to a trusted adult or school administration.