Sixteen juveniles have been charged after a video was posted on TikTok re-enacting what appeared to be a school shooting.
On Tuesday afternoon, South Greene Middle School Resource Officer Deputy Bill Carr was alerted to a video that had been posted on the social media site. The video showed several juveniles acting out what appeared to be a school shooting and had the title of “to be continued”. The video had been shared with several others before it was removed from the platform.
Carr conferred with the District Attorney’s Office and charged all sixteen of the juveniles with disorderly conduct. They will appear in Greene County Juvenile Court at a later date.
These charges come after four students were charged with making threats of violence last week.
According to Lt. Teddy Lawing, Greene County Sheriff’s Department S.R.O Supervisor, it was determined the two county schools students had no plan, access to weapons, or motive. Greeneville Police Specialized Services Captain Tim Davis also said the two city schools students charged had no plan or way to follow through with the threats.
In a statement, Lawing urged parents to talk with students and have them to report anything they are concerned about to a parent, SRO, or another adult. He also said to tell them not to share or spread posts or text message streams to other students.
Davis said the city SROs and detectives worked with the school administration and the district attorney’s office to resolve these incidents. He said in a statement local authorities want to make citizens aware that anyone who makes threats against schools, staff members, or students will be charged. He added all threats of violence are taken seriously and treated the same. Davis said local school staff members work hard to provide a safe and secure environment for learning, and authorities partner with them in this endeavor.
