Waimea Middle School has decided to cancel school today as a precautionary measure due to a nationwide social media rumor that school shootings will take place on Friday, Dec. 17.
“Many schools across the U.S. have been made aware of a threat to schools that emerged as a TikTok trend. A ‘national threat’ of gun violence trend emerged that says numerous school shootings will take place on Dec. 17. Police are aware of the rumored national threat,” WMS Principal Janice English wrote in a letter to families.
Friday is also the final day of the first semester for WMS. Winter break begins Monday, Dec. 20.
The Hawaii Police Department said Thursday afternoon it was also aware of the social media message going around nationwide warning of school shootings on Friday.
“We are monitoring these threats, however, there are no specific threats on Hawaii Island,” police said. “While there are no known threats to Hawaii Island schools, police will be actively monitoring the situation tomorrow. We ask families to monitor their children’s social media activity and speak with them about proper behavior online.”
If you or your child become aware of any potential threat posted to social media or anywhere else, notify the Hawaii Police Department at (808) 935-3311.