Junction City police said they were notified Wednesday afternoon of threats circulating on TikTok against Junction City Middle School. The threats apparently came from a list of schools identified as targets for a possible shooting.

After a thorough investigation by School Resource Officers and USD 475 officials, the threat was determined to be unfounded, meaning there is no credible evidence to suggest an imminent danger to students. The list appears to include Title 1 schools from across the state, which are schools that receive federal funding to support educational programs.

Authorities stated that 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 precautionary measure, there will be increased police presence at 475 USD schools in the coming days to ensure a safe learning environment.

According to police, these threats appear to be part of a concerning online trend that is not unique to USD 475. Similar threats have been reported in other Kansas counties, as well as states such as Pennsylvania, Georgia, Texas, Tennessee, and Florida. The JCPD is actively working with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) to fully investigate the origins of this post and ensure school safety.

They urged all community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or concerns immediately to the Junction City Police Department. 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.