Long Island Police Are Keeping A Close Eye On TikTok Gun Threat

LONG ISLAND, NY — No specific threats have been aimed at Long Island schools in connection with a threat on social media — under the moniker the TikTok Dec. 17 Challenge — but the region’s two major police agencies will still be keeping a close eye on the situation on Friday.

The threat of unknown origin encourages students to threaten gun violence at their schools on Friday, Dec. 17, and it has law enforcement agencies, school officials, and parents across the U.S. on high alert. Many districts across Long Island have notified parents of the threat to inform them of the precautions that they are taking.

The Nassau and Suffolk police departments are both monitoring the threat and encouraged residents to contact authorities if they come across any information.

Nassau Police spokesman Det. Lt. Richard LeBrun said that although the department has not identified any specific threats, it will be intensifying patrols around all schools and that will include “personal visits inside schools by our officers.”

“This week alone our officers have made over 800 visits to schools to ensure the safety of all,” he wrote in an email, adding that the department will continue to work with its local, state, and federal partners “regarding all threats.”

Suffolk police also noted that the threat is not specific to Suffolk, “and at this time, the threat does not appear to be credible.” The department’s officers will be “on heightened awareness due to these posts and we are urging everyone to report suspicious activity by calling 911," police said in a statement Thursday night.