Newtown Police Increase Patrols At Schools After TikTok Challenge

NEWTOWN, CT — Newtown police are increasing both the department's armed and unarmed presence at schools throughout town after this week's TikTok December 17 challenge that threatened violence at schools around the country.

No specific threats were made against any Newtown schools, police said, but the department said it takes the situation seriously.

"The safety and wellness of the citizens of Newtown is always a main priority for the Newtown Police department, especially the schools," authorities said in a statement. "The board of education has worked with the police department in establishing both armed and unarmed security in all of the schools, along with school resource officers to provide daily security for the facilities."

School districts throughout the state and the country have stepped up enforcement measures at schools in recent weeks, as threats have increased.

The Norwalk School System called in the FBI to help with its investigation into a recent rash of threats, most of which turned out to be hoaxes. And Naugatuck police arrested a student Thursday in connection with a threat against a school in that community.

Earlier this week, Newtown observed the ninth anniversary of the Sandy Hook tragedy.

"While occasionally schools receive hoaxes or jokes, all threats are taken seriously," Newtown police said. "The Police department will continue to work closely with the superintendent
and school district to keep the schools safe."