TikTok Threat: Marlborough Police See 'No Specific Threats'

MARLBOROUGH, MA — Marlborough police and public school officials are reacting to a new TikTok challenge calling for violent actions in schools on Friday.

The new challenge surfaced on Thursday asking for gun violence in "every school in the USA, even elementary." Marlborough police said they have not seen any threats directed at city schools, but will be on the lookout during the school day on Friday.

"[T]he Marlborough Police Department will maintain a presence at the schools in our city and will continue to work to protect our students and all employees of the school systems," the department said in a Facebook post Thursday night.

Superintendent Michael Bergeron said the district is taking the threat seriously, but said no city schools are under a specific threat.

"This situation serves as a good example of why it is important to talk to your children about avoiding, sharing/promoting posts online that refer to school safety threats," he said in a message to parents on Thursday.

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.

The TikTok challenge is just the latest in a string of threats at local schools following a shooting at a high school in Michigan on Nov. 30. Two teens were facing charges at Worcester Technical High School following a threat, and another student in Milford was under investigation for a threat.

Related: MA Police, Schools On High Alert For TikTok Challenge