Wave of possible school shooting, bomb threats circulate on TikTok, districts ramp up security

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Educators announced plans to increase security in response to TikTok posts warning of shooting and bomb threats at schools around the country Friday as officials assured parents the viral posts were not considered credible.

The social media threats had many educators on edge as they circulated in the aftermath of a deadly school shooting in Michigan, which has been followed by numerous copycat threats to schools elsewhere.

The vague, anonymous posts circulating online warned that multiple schools would receive shooting and bomb threats.

Law enforcement officials say because they investigate all of these threats, it's draining resources and pulling officers off the street.

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Authorities also say that making these kinds of threats is against the law, and those responsible will be prosecuted regardless of credibility.

In Central California, Clovis Unified issued a response to the national threats with an e-mail to parents.

It reads in part, "None of our Clovis Unified schools have been referenced to date in these rumors. We will continue to monitor the situation closely. We take every report seriously and are devoting multiple public safety resources to ensure our schools remain safe."

Lemoore High School officials say they were notified of a possible threat against the high school. The district is working with the Lemoore Police Department to add more officers onto the campus for the day.

Naval Air Station Lemoore said it was also aware of the national threats. The base has increased security for its two elementary schools as well.

California's Department of Education responded to these threats on Twitter Thursday night, saying they're working with law enforcement to investigate.

The Department of Homeland Security also released a statement, saying they do "not have any information indicating any specific, credible threats to schools but recommends communities remain alert."

In a statement on Twitter, TikTok said it was working with law enforcement to investigate.

"We handle even rumored threats with utmost seriousness," the statement said, "which is why we're working with law enforcement to look into warnings about potential violence at schools even though we have not found evidence of such threats originating or spreading via TikTok."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.