Police respond to social media shooting threat at school

Authorities in Kansas have responded to a list circulating on TikTok that they believe indicates a shooting threat against several schools.

Junction City police said in a press release posted on Facebook on Sept. 11 that Junction City Middle School was also on the list, but that after a thorough investigation, they found no credible evidence of an imminent threat.

Authorities believe the social media post was part of an online trend that they say has spread to other Kansas counties and other states. Newsweek has asked TikTok for comment via email.

In response to the threats, Junction City police announced that they would maintain a precautionary police presence at schools throughout the district in the coming days, even though they were deemed unfounded.

Newsweek has reached out to Junction City Middle School and Geary County School District via email for comment.

The Junction City Police Department pointed out that the list includes several other Title 1 schools in the state, which the Kansas State Department of Education says are high-poverty schools that receive federal funding.

The police department also said similar threats have been reported in other states, including Pennsylvania, Georgia, Texas, Tennessee and Florida, according to a press release from the department.

Regarding community safety, Junction City Police wrote in their press release, “We encourage all community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or concerns to the Junction City Police Department immediately. Our priority is always the safety of our students and staff, and we will continue to work diligently to maintain that safety.”

Newsweek has reached out to the Junction City Police Department via email for comment.

It comes after another threat of a school shooting was made on social media in Madison, Florida, on September 8, which led to the banning of school bags and duffel bags in elementary schools for safety reasons. Newsweek previously reported.

Local authorities managed to locate and arrest a man they believe was responsible for the threatening mail. He was a 13-year-old male youth. Newsweek previously reported.

This follows the shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, on September 4, where 14-year-old Colt Gray allegedly shot four people, two students and two teachers, and injured nine others, according to Newsweek previously reported.

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