Enfield, State Police Monitoring School Threats On TikTok

ENFIELD, CT — Multiple law enforcement agencies across Connecticut, including Enfield, say they are monitoring reports of a TikTok challenge that has encouraged students to threaten gun violence at their schools on Friday, Dec. 17.

Some districts say they have been "inundated" with questions about the social media school violence rumors and have responded in letters to parents and public statements in the days leading up to Friday.

The Connecticut Intelligence Center has been investigating and monitoring the social media trend, but the center has not yet identified any specific or credible threats to any schools within Connecticut.

"These posts and rumors started on the social media platform TikTok and have been circulating for at least several days across the country, making their way onto additional social media platforms," state police said. "Many law enforcement agencies around the country have received tips related to these rumors. It is possible that the threats originated from a TikTok challenge to skip school on Friday, December 17, 2021."

Enfield police reported on social media there have been "no credible threats made to any of our schools but we remain vigilant."

While it's unclear where the December rumor originated, a news release issued by the Tooele County School District in Utah said the original threat started as a way for students to skip school, but "morphed into something much more disturbing."

According to some reports, the December challenge is one of several in a string of monthly challenges stemming from the social media platform.

In September, another challenge called "Devious Licks" encouraged raucous acts of vandalism at schools. To participate in the challenge, students and TikTok users shattered mirrors, stole soap dispensers, fire alarms and football field turf, and intentionally clogged toilets, all while filming the antics to post on TikTok.

Many districts are asking their residents to immediately report specific threats or any suspicious activity to local police or school administrators.

Superintendent of Schools Chris Drezek issued the following statement Thursday afternoon:

Dear Members of the Enfield Public Schools Community,

The Enfield Public Schools has become aware of a troubling post that has been shared widely this week on the social media platform TikTok. The post refers to a threat to school safety “for every school in the USA, even elementary,” on Friday, December 17.

The post appears to be part of a national TikTok trend and did not originate in our school district. We have heard reports from other districts that the same post is circulating in their schools. While we do not believe the threat to be credible, we are closely monitoring the situation and taking it seriously.

Additionally, the district has been in contact with the Enfield Police Department regarding the post. We may have an increased police presence in our buildings on Friday as an added precaution.

Please know that we take threats like this very seriously, even if they are deemed not credible. I want to thank our partners in the Enfield Police Department for their help in addressing this situation, and their continued support helping to keep our students and staff safe. This situation serves as a reminder of how irresponsible social media activity can disrupt the educational process for our children and cause a great deal of stress for our students, families, and staff. We ask our families to monitor their children’s social media activity and speak with them about proper behavior online.

If you or your child become aware of any potential threat posted to social media or anywhere else, please notify a school staff member or trusted adult right away.

As always, thank you for your partnership as we work to ensure a safe, secure, and positive learning environment for our students.

Thank you - and stay well,

Christopher J. Drezek
Superintendent of Schools