As a precaution, Waimea Middle School will cancel school on Friday, Dec. 17.
In a letter to families, WMS Principal Janice English wrote: “Many schools across the US 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.”
Dec. 17 is the final day of first semester for WMS. Winter Break begins Monday, Dec. 20. Ho’okako’o Corporation, which is Waimea Middle School’s governing board, has been notified as has the Hawai’i Public Charter School Commission.
Hawaii Police Department said on its Facebook page that the department is 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 Hawai‘i Island,” the post read. “While there are no known threats to Hawai‘i 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 Hawai‘i Police Department at 808-935-3311.
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