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Threat investigated at West Aurora High School
Suburban police chiefs, school superintendents and state's attorneys are talking student safety after a viral nationwide TikTok challenge called 'shoot up your school' was rumored to take place Friday.
WEST AURORA, Ill. - Suburban police chiefs, school superintendents and state's attorneys are talking student safety after a viral nationwide TikTok challenge called "shoot up your school" was rumored to take place Friday.
"When people choose to do this, it is a felony offense of disorderly conduct in Illinois," said the Kane County State’s Attorney,
Homeland security deemed the anonymous and vague threat not credible, but schools throughout the country still beefed up security.
Some schools canceled class all together.
On Friday morning, West Aurora High School "held in place" after a picture of a gun circulated around the building mentioning the school.
"For nearly three hours, our 3,700 students lost academic experiences, lunch periods were delayed, creating stress on our entire community," said School District Supt. Dr. Jeff Craig.
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The picture was determined to have been taken last year and originated in Texas.
However, West Aurora High School students were certainly on edge.
"It’s scary because you see these things on the news, and then it hits home," said Junior Andrew Long.
"I feel safe coming to school, but it’s definitely a scary thought, you never know," said Junior Andrew Bacarella.
With 32 shootings on school campuses this year alone, officials say they’re tightening protocols, but also need parents to be more aware of their child’s social media engagements.