Nationwide TikTok Challenge threat prompts police presence at West Pine Middle

West Pine Middle School announced on its Facebook page on Thursday that the school "will be the subject of an alleged school shooting on Friday," according to a circulating TikTok post. The post on the social media platform is part of a region and nationwide “challenge.” School systems nationwide are increasing police presence in wake of the posts.

Moore County Schools Police are conducting an investigation, according to the school.

"At this time, there are no indicators that there is a threat unique to our school or any other school in MCS," West Pine Middle School said, "and we continue to investigate throughout the day."

However, if kids or families hear or see anything else, they should call the school, according to the school.

Classes will be in session on Friday at the time of this broadcast, but there will be an increased police presence on campus and at other county schools. This comes after a gun was discovered in a student's backpack at Pinecrest High School last week, prompting a "modified" lockdown.

The December challenge, according to some accounts, is one of several in a series of monthly challenges launched by the social networking site.

Another challenge, dubbed "Devious Licks," promoted rowdy acts of destruction at schools in September. Students and TikTok users damaged mirrors, stole soap dispensers, fire alarms, and football field turf, and purposefully clogged toilets as part of the challenge, all while filming the antics to share on TikTok.

According to Barber, a Carlos E. Haile Middle School student was detained by the Manatee County Sheriff's Office Thursday morning in connection with the most recent threat against Manatee County Schools. The event was reported to the school and a message was sent home to parents.