Lower Merion Police Aware Of TikTok 'Challenge,' No Threat Posed

LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA — A disturbing new TikTok "challenge" has police in Lower Merion on alert.

According to Lower Merion Police, there is no credible threat made toward schools in the township amid a new dangerous "challenge" on social media.

This new trend of TikTok encourages violence this Friday at schools around the country, but they did not name any specific targets.

Police in Lower Merion said despite no threats being made toward local schools, they are increasing presence at public schools Friday in response to the "challenge."

"As you know, the safety of our students and staff is our top priority," Lower Merion School District Superintendent Khalid N. Mumin said in a message to the community. "We recently became aware of a TikTok-based challenge threatening violence against schools nationwide for tomorrow, December 17, 2021."

Mumin said these type of threats can lead to copycat behavior, with student believing they will get a day off school or earn fame for making threats.

"Please remind your children that threats, whether serious or not, are a crime and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, as well as result in school-based discipline," he said. "All LMSD schools will be open for in-person instruction as usual on Friday, Dec. 17, 2021."