ROANOKE, Va. – Those at school buildings on Friday may see an increased police presence in light of a post involving a blanket threat against schools in the United States that’s been circulating on TikTok this week.
Multiple school districts across our region are reacting to the post that’s threatening school safety “for every school in the USA, even elementary.”
On Thursday afternoon, TikTok posted to social media about the reports of a threat spreading on its platform.
We handle even rumored threats with utmost seriousness, which is why we're working with law enforcement to look into warnings about potential violence at schools even though we have not found evidence of such threats originating or spreading via TikTok.
— TikTokComms (@TikTokComms) December 16, 2021
So far, 10 News has seen posts by 13 area counties/cities: Amherst County, Botetourt County, Buena Vista, Carroll County, Campbell County, Franklin County, Halifax County, Montgomery County, Pulaski County, Radford City, Roanoke City, Roanoke County, Rockbridge County.
While each district acknowledges there’s no direct threat against their specific district, all are planning precautions for Friday.
In Buena Vista, Franklin County and Roanoke County, there will be an increased police presence in schools
Carroll County, Campbell, Halifax County, Pulaski and Rockbridge County’s letters about the threat said each may have an increased law enforcement presence in schools.
Amherst County said it’s “working closely with other local and state agencies to provide extra security measures at each county school on Friday, December 17, 2021.”
Montgomery County authorities have said that while there is no credible threat, “we are taking additional precautions and will be watching for any new developments.”
Botetourt County schools said that “while we do not believe the threat to be credible, we are closely monitoring the situation and taking it seriously.”
In Roanoke City, Friday was already scheduled to be a virtual day, so nothing will change for those within that school division.
While this threat is trending on TikTok, parents and guardians are encouraged to talk to their children about the dangers of sharing posts online that refer to threats against school safety.