CHICAGO (WLS) — A threat of shootings and bombings at every school in the United States is circulating on social media, and Chicago area police and school officials are responding.

There are posts circulating on TikTok raising awareness about the threats and encouraging students to stay home on Dec. 17.

The social media threat indicates shootings and bombings will take place at schools across the U.S. on Friday.

Chicago Public Schools said they are “taking the threat extremely seriously and are working with the Chicago Police Department.” Illinois’ largest district said there is “no known threat to any CPS facility,” but should any safety concerns arise, they will be investigated immediately.

District 207 in the northwest suburbs issued a statement that said Des Plaines police and Park Ridge police are aware of the messages, and both departments have indicated the threats are not credible.

“This is just something where someone posted and is encouraging violence in the schools. Very simple,” said Tom Gadowski of the Park Ridge Police Department. “I don’t want to go any further than saying that there’s an encouragement of violence.”

In fact, multiple suburban police department agree that there is not any substantial evidence to support the threat. But that doesn’t really allay parents’ or students’ fears.

“I appreciate the police trying to calm people, but it doesn’t make me feel any better,” said Rachel Jalloway.

After seeing the threat on social media, Jalloway came home from college early, concerned for her high school sister.

“Security is there, so in that sense it will be OK, hopefully,” she said. “I will be on edge for her all day.”

However, out of an abundance of caution, officials there will be an increased police presence at District 207 schools, including Maine East High School, Maine West High School and Frost Academy, on Dec. 17.

The superintendent at Park Ridge-Niles School District 64 echoed the same message in his note to parents, saying there will be an increased police presence at buildings on Dec. 17.

Barrington School District 220 also notified its community of the national threats. School officials said Barrington police have confirmed the threats are unsubstantiated at this time and there is no viable threat to students or staff.

District 220 also said it will add police support, in addition to its school resource officer, over the next several days “as a precautionary measure to reassure students and staff.”

Glenview Police Department said it is aware of the threat and encouraged “everyone to remain vigilant,” but added that there is no credible information that it is related to any school in Illinois.

Glenview police said they will continue to patrol all school grounds in the area. Suspicious activity should be reported to police, the department said.

Dear CPS Staff, Parents, and Families,

The safety of our students and staff is our top priority, and we are writing to let you know that the District and Chicago Police Department (CPD) are aware of a viral TikTok post warning of nationwide threats that will supposedly take place on Friday, December 17, 2021. The post is vague and not directed at a specific school, and is circulating around school districts across the country.

At this time, there is no known threat to any CPS facility, but we are taking this threat extremely seriously and are working with CPD. Should any safety concerns arise, they will be investigated immediately and thoroughly following CPS protocol to ensure the safety and security of our students and staff.

Safety is a collective responsibility, and I would like to emphasize the importance of using social media responsibly. Please do not re-share any suspicious or concerning posts on social media. Instead, if you or your child see something resembling a threat, the most impactful step to take is to report it to your school immediately so that we can investigate the situation as soon as possible. If it is outside of regular school hours, please email the information to [email protected].

Thank you very much for your support.

Sincerely,
Jadine Chou
Chief Safety and Security Officer
Chicago Public Schools