Middle school locked down in Kennewick after TikTok threat

A Kennewick middle school was locked down briefly on Friday after a student reportedly posted a threat on TikTok.

Police were alerted about 9:30 a.m. after a parent called 911 to report that her child saw the social media post that suggested another student may have a weapon, the Kennewick School District said in a message to parents later in the day.

There were dispatch reports that the student with the weapon had threatened to use it at Horse Heaven Middle School.

The school was initially placed on a critical lockdown as officers responded to the school on Vancouver Street. As officers learned more, the students were allowed to move around the school.

The suspected student was taken out of class and a knife was found in the student’s locker.

The student was taken from the school while an investigation is underway, the district said.

Police weren’t able to say whether the student was arrested.

“We take all safety concerns seriously and act swiftly to ensure the well-being of our students and staff,” Kennewick School District officials said. “We are grateful for the prompt response and professionalism of our school team and law enforcement partners.”