The Junction City Police Department said that they were made aware on Wednesday afternoon of threats circulating on TikTok against Junction City Middle School. The threats originated from an apparent list of schools identified as targets for a potential school shooting.
After a thorough investigation conducted by School Resource Officers and USD 475 officials, it has been determined that the threat is unfounded, meaning there is no credible evidence to suggest any immediate danger to the students. The list appears to include Title 1 schools from across the state, which are schools receiving federal funding to support educational programs.
Authorities said regardless of the nature of these threats, the Junction City Police Department, Geary County Sheriff’s Office, and USD 475 are fully committed to the safety and well-being of all students.
As a precaution, there will be an increased officer presence at USD 475 schools over the coming days to ensure a safe learning environment.
Police said that these threats appear to be part of a concerning online trend not unique to USD 475. Similar threats have been reported in other districts across Kansas, as well as in states such as Pennsylvania, Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, and Florida. JCPD is actively working with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) to fully investigate the origins of this post and to ensure the safety of the schools.
They encouraged all community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or concerns to the Junction City Police Department immediately. Our priority is always the safety of our students and staff, and they will continue to work diligently to maintain that safety. If you have any information regarding this threat, please contact the JCPD at (785) 762-5912.