No Specific Threats Against Norwalk Public Schools: District

NORWALK, CT — District officials are aware of circulating social media posts regarding potential school violence Friday but noted Thursday afternoon they are not credible.

In a post on the Norwalk Public Schools Facebook page, district officials thanked those who have shared information circulating on TikTok and social media regarding "a potential threat to schools throughout the country" Friday.

"We are aware of the information and the Norwalk Police Department is monitoring it as well," the post reads. "The NPD has indicated that there [is] no connection to NPS at this time and that these hoax threats to schools overall have not been substantiated."

Out of an abundance of caution, there will be an increased security and Norwalk police presence visible throughout the city Friday to make sure students and staff feel safe, district officials said.

Authorities noted Thursday state police and the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection are closely monitoring a rash of TikTok posts that have been circulating on social media that there will be threats against schools on 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.

See also: School Threat Posts On TikTok Under Watch Of CT State Police

• TikTok December 17 Challenge Has Police, Schools On High Alert

"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, Dec. 17, 2021."

In addition to law enforcement, the Department of Emergency Services and Public protection and the intelligence center, the state Department of Education also is working on these rumored threats "and providing timely information to all school districts as needed."

Patch has reached out to the Norwalk Police Department for further information.