Lincoln Police say they are aware of a national social media trend consisting of individuals using Tik Tok and other social media platforms to make posts relating to potential violence taking place at schools across the nation on Friday, December 17.
“Numerous LPD officers, investigators, and analysts have been working closely with LPS administrators and security to monitor and investigate any local concerns,” says officer Erin Spilker. ” At this time, we have not identified any credible threats to any Lincoln schools, but we will continue to monitor the situation closely. We are appreciative of the students and parents who have reported these threats concerning social media activity.”
Spilker says they investigate each and every report to determine its legitimacy and ensure safety plans are in place when necessary. “It is so important to think before you post something on social media.”
Spilker says they encourage everyone who sees or hears anything that is concerning to call Lincoln Police at 402-441-6000 or report it through the green Safe to Say button on the LPS website.
Police Chief Teresa Ewins says “As we have seen since Columbine, the loss of life due to school shootings has plagued our communities. Our hearts continue to go out to those families as they continue to grieve their loss. Believing it is something that we minimize by making it a joke through social media is tragic in itself. These tragedies should not be forgotten but discussed with our youth as an important lesson regarding mental health and that violence is not the answer to conflict.”