Lake Tahoe schools open, Carson City closed due to social media rumor spreading through country

Concern spread around the country after a TikTok social media rumor warned of violence at schools on the day that many of them start a two-week holiday break. It is unclear where the school threat rumor emerged, but the challenge suggests numerous school shootings will take place on December 17.

There is no evidence for a credible threat for Friday, said the FBI and other authorities, but many districts are not ignoring and taking heightened safety measures as a precaution. Several states have closed schools for Friday, December 17 due to the non-credible rumor, and others will have increased presence on campuses.

Seeing increased and continued alleged threats of violence at schools locally and across the country shared on social media, primarily TikTok, the Carson City School District has decided to play it safe and begin the two-week scheduled winter break a day early.

"Due to increasing concern surrounding social media threats circulating online, and in collaboration with the Carson City Sheriff’s Office, the Carson City School District will close all schools Friday, December 17, 2021,' said the district in a statement.

The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office (EDSO) said they and local school authorities are aware of the bomb and shooting threats on social media platforms.

"Out of an abundance of caution, EDSO has been in contact with our local school authorities regarding this issue. There have been no reported school threats in El Dorado County. On 12-17-2021 EDSO will have School Resource Officers and EDSO patrol units patrolling and available to respond to any reports of suspicious activity. Please report any activity regarding school violence or any other criminal activity at 530-621-6600. Thank you for your assistance in helping us keep our community safe," said the department in a statement.

South Lake Tahoe Police Department will also increase patrols. They already have permanent offices at both the South Tahoe middle and high schools.

Douglas County School District (DCSD) said that, while the origin of these Tik Tok posts is unknown, they and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department take all threats seriously.

DCSD and DCSO have been in contact, and with the support of Sheriff Dan Coverley, District leadership told families that even with no credible threats, deputies will have a presence at all DCSD schools Friday.

"Student and staff safety is a priority, and as I have said before, I truly appreciate the collaborative relationship we have with our local Sheriff’s Office," said Superintendent Keith Lewis. "It’s comforting knowing that DCSO prioritizes the safety of our schools and community, and we will continue to work together to be vigilant!"