Getting caught up in a social media trend can have serious consequences when threats of violence are involved. That lesson has become very real for several local students after Roosevelt Police Department investigated a situation in which students were linked to the TikTok challenge promoting bringing guns to school. Roosevelt Police Chief Mark Watkins issued a letter to the public this week with a report of what occurred when it was found that these students had shared messages and comments about school violence through texts or on social platforms. Chief Watkins shared the following: “During our investigation, we quickly determined that no threat was imminent, and no guns were taken to our schools. The only senseless act that was committed was the sharing of, and comments in support of this act. As a result, three local students have been charged with a felony for participating in this senseless act of sharing, commenting, and or encouraging school violence. The Roosevelt Police Department will have zero tolerance for such acts and will continue to monitor and aggressively follow up on posts or verbal comments made by individuals if they promote and or encourage this kind of behavior. The parents of those that were charged have been cooperative and understanding of our position, and I would encourage all parents to talk to their kids about this type of behavior and its consequences, as well as monitor their child’s texting and social media activities. If questionable texts or posts are found by parents and then brought to Roosevelt Police Department’s attention, we will work with those who step up with information.” Roosevelt Police Department can be reached at 435-722-2330.
