MetroWest School Systems Increase Security After TikTok Threat of Violence on Friday

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FRAMINGHAM – Almost every school district in MetroWest put out an alert on Thursday night, after they became aware of a “troubling social media post circulating nationwide” that threatened “an act of violence on December 17” “for every school in the USA, even elementary.”

“The post appears to be part of a national TikTok trend and did not originate in our school district. We have heard reports from other school districts that the same post is circulating in their schools,” said Superintendent of Schools Bob Tremblay.

“As of this afternoon, Framingham Public Schools have not received any threats. Out of an abundance of caution the district is working closely with the Framingham Police Department.  Though we do not believe this to be a credible threat, we are monitoring the situation closely and taking it seriously,” said Supt. Tremblay in an email to families.

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The threat, or “challenge,” as some have referred to it, reportedly calls on students to commit acts of violence on Dec. 17.

One threat called December 17, “National Shoot Up Your School Day,” but it did not specific a school or school district.

“This situation serves as an example of why it is important to avoid sharing posts online that refer to school safety threats. Even if they are not credible threats, they can cause a great deal of stress and anxiety for our students, families, and staff. We ask our families to speak with their children and monitor their social media activity, especially on Snapchat and TikTok, where rumors about potential episodes of school violence are typically shared,” said Superintendent Bob Tremblay.

Ashland Public Schools, Framingham Public Schools, Natick Public Schools, Marlborough Public Schools, the Keefe Technical High School, all put out alerts on Thursday night.

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