TikTok Threats In Chester Co. Schools: Latest Updates

Phoenixville PA

17 December, 2021

11:59 AM

Description

CHESTER COUNTY, PA — School districts around Chester County are on heightened alert Friday amid a wave of online threats, with some receiving specific threats and others taking precautions by beefing up security. Videos posted to the social media platform TikTok threatened gun violence in schools on Friday, in a "challenge" that some reports say initially began with urging students to skip school Dec. 17. The vague shooting threats prompted concern nationwide. "As a parent, I can only imagine the feelings of worry, fear, and anger that thousands of our neighbors experienced hearing their school is closed due to a school shooting threat," Chester County's U.S. Congresswoman Chrissy Houlahan (PA-4) said in a statement. "We must take these threats seriously, no matter if they are found on TikTok or elsewhere, and I'm thankful for the vigilant families, local law enforcement, and school officials who have made the safety of our children a top priority. Schools should be a safe environment, free from the threat of gun violence." A specific threat was made to Collegium Charter School in West Whiteland on Thursday, police said. Police and school officials decided to close the campus on Friday, and an active investigation remains underway. Other local districts have made it clear they're taking the threats seriously, even if not specifically targeted. At the Tredyffrin-Easttown School District, officials notified the school community that they were aware of the situation. "Neither TESD nor the police departments of our townships are aware of any threats made against any T/E schools," the district said in a statement. "TESD takes the safety and security of our students and staff very seriously, and we work closely with our local police departments in the event of a direct threat against a T/E school. If you see additional police presence at our schools tomorrow, it is simply to reflect an abundance of caution and an added measure of reassurance." The TikTok threats come in the wake of several weeks of increased threats of school shootings and violence in both Chester County and throughout the region. Multiple incidents have led to arrests of students, and numerous school districts in the county have been locked down as threats were investigated.