ASHEBORO, N.C. — Police attributed a threat against Asheboro High School posted on social media to a viral TikTok challenge, though authorities said they do not believe the threat is credible.
A post circulating overnight featured an image of three guns and a large knife with text urging students not to attend AHS on Friday. The text had been added to multiple other posts, including one stating: “Bro. Do not go to school tomorrow. This is not a joke anymore the everyone in the district has been threatened.”
Several school districts across North Carolina and nationwide have responded to similar threats that appear to have originated on TikTok.
Assistant Chief Robbie Brown said police are “aware of the TikTok challenge and have spoken with Dr. Drew Maerz with Asheboro City Schools.”
Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, Yadkin County Schools, Stokes County Schools and Surry County Schools all issued statements saying they are aware of the threats and are increasing security while working with schools.
Police urged the public to report possible threats rather than share them on social media. “Report, don’t repost,” a department spokesman said.
Asheboro City Schools sent a message to families Friday morning, saying: “The safety of each student and staff member is our number one priority. As such, we have increased law enforcement on each of our campuses today.”
The district said schools were operating on a regular schedule ahead of the winter holiday break.
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