Police in Royse City say several students taking part in a social media challenge prompted a lockdown at Royse City High School this morning.
Officers were called to the campus shortly after 8 o'clock because a witness said they saw someone in the parking lot aiming a weapon at another person. followed by several people running into the school.
Officers found what appeared to be Airsoft pellets on the ground when they arrived. School administrators identified five students for questioning, and police turned up several Airsoft guns.
They say it appears the students were taking part in the Orbeez Challenge, which is popular on the social media app Tik Tok. The challenge involves firing water-filled pellets at someone and recording video.
"The Tik Tok 'Orbeez Challenge' is a senseless and dangerous trend that is disrupting school environments across the country," Royse City Police wrote in a posting on the department's Facebook page. "It also causes a serious strain on law enforcement resources because officers have to respond to each incident like a possible active shooter call."
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"The Royse City Police Department and the Royse City School District are asking for parents and guardians to speak with their children about participating in such senseless acts and to discuss the importance of good decision making."
The students will not face any criminal charges. However, they could face discipline through the school.
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