Educators across the United States have stepped up security measures in response to viral TikTok posts warning of shooting and bomb threats at schools on Friday, despite officials stating the posts are not considered credible.
The vague, anonymous posts warned that multiple schools would be targeted. School districts in Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Montana, New York and Pennsylvania announced increased police presence 'out of an abundance of caution'.
TikTok said it was working with law enforcement and had not found evidence of threats originating on its platform. The company added that it was removing 'alarmist warnings' that violate its misinformation policy.
The FBI advised the public not to share such threats online, warning that doing so could spread misinformation and cause panic.
At least one school, Gilroy High School in California, cancelled classes and postponed final exams. Other districts kept schools open but with heightened security.
The incidents have put schools in a difficult position, balancing the need to respond to potential threats without causing undue alarm or shutting down over non-credible posts.
