TikTok Threat Leads To Arrest Of Fredericksburg City Student: Police

FREDERICKBURG, VA — On Thursday afternoon, Fredericksburg Police investigated a threatening statement posted on TikTok concerning Walter Grant Middle School, according to a post on FPD's X (formerly Twitter) account.

The following is the full text of the release FPD posted on social media.

News Release: Fredericksburg Police Investigate Social Media Threat to City of Fredericksburg Public School

On September 12, 2024 at 3:10 p.m., our E-911 Communications Center received a TIP about a threatening statement on TikTok related to Walker Grant Middle School (WGMS). The IP address was traced and located the user's TikTok account. The Fredericksburg Police Department took immediate action to ensure the safety of students, staff, and families despite the uncertainty of the social media post's validity.

The IP address provided a physical address, which school administration quickly confirmed as the home of two City Public School students. Officers then contacted the parents of the student linked to the TikTok account and identified the juvenile involved.

The on-call detective and officers went to the students' home to speak with their parents. Upon confirmation from the student and parent about the origin of the post, Detective Ralston and officers immediately shared the relevant information with the school administration. School administration has taken appropriate action.

A referral for charges have been issued to juvenile intake.

The Fredericksburg Police Department wants to reassure parents, students, school faculty, and the community that this threat has been resolved. Parents are urged to monitor their children's social media accounts and have regular conversations with them about safe habits. If you see something, say something.