No Threat In Ridgewood, But TikTok Challenge Has Cops On Alert

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — District officials haven't been made aware of any direct threats made against Ridgewood schools, but police will be upping patrols on Friday out of an abundance of caution.

The national trend appears to have originated on TikTok, and multiple law enforcement agencies across the country say they are monitoring reports of the challenge, which has encouraged students to threaten gun violence at their schools on Friday.

Read more: TikTok December 17 Challenge Has Police, Schools On High Alert

"We are aware of national generic social media activity that threatens violence against schools on December 17. While the threats are not specific to any school or town, we have been in contact with the Ridgewood Police Department about this concern," said Superintendent Thomas Gorman, in a letter.

"The Ridgewood Police Department is monitoring the situation carefully and maintaining close contact with us. Out of an abundance of caution, they are increasing patrols in and around our schools. Messages such as this one are often posted to cause confusion and increase anxiety."

Ridgewood isn't the only district to up patrols in the county, as Paramus officials announced that police would also have a greater presence at schools on Friday.