The New London and Winfield Mt. Union School Districts recently learned of an anonymous, nationwide threat against schools that is being shared on social media outlets such as TikTok. The general threat toward all U.S. schools declares Friday, Dec. 17, as “American School Shooting Day.” The posts warn about the possibility of nationwide shootings or bomb threats associated with this day.
School safety is a top priority for the Iowa Department of Public Safety. The Department is aware of this general threat and the Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center is working with law enforcement partners to assess and analyze open source reporting for specific threats.
“At this time, we are not seeing any specific or credible threats towards any schools in Iowa, but we are continuing to diligently monitor the situation,” said Assistant Director of the Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center, Pat Waymire. “No division within the Iowa Department of Public Safety has received any requests for assistance.”
TikTok has presented students with challenges all year long and, according to Supt. Chad Wahls, New London students have done a great job of not following these outrageous acts. This challenge has been taken to a much greater level and for that reason The New London Distirct has been in contact with local law enforcement. Out of caution, schools will be in close contact with law enforcement throughout the day. WMU Supt. Jeff Maeder added that his district has partnered with local law enforcement to vigilantly investigate whether there are any local connections to these social media posts. He said that at this time, law enforcement has not acquired any evidence that would deem these threats as credible in our area. Out of an abundance of caution, the schools will be in close contact with law enforcement throughout the day on Friday
Both superintendents encourage parents to take this opportunity to talk with your child(ren) about the appropriate use of social media, and the seriousness and resulting consequences of making any kind of threat. Encourage your students to speak with you or an adult at school if they see or hear something so immediate action can be taken. In addition, if anyone in our community sees something suspicious, please report it to the school immediately and call local law enforcement.
Any act of threat towards the school or anyone at the school will not be taken lightly.