The suspect who confessed to making a TikTok about carrying out a school shooting said it was intended to be a joke.
According to a release from the Howell Police Department, the TikTok video indicated the juvenile intended to carry out a shooting at Howell High School; however, while confessing to making the video, the suspect said there was no intention of carrying out any form of violence, and that the TikTok was intended to be a joke.
Police said there were no weapons associated with the suspect’s residence, and that there was no reason to believe that there are any potential threats to the public or the school district.
The Howell police were made aware of the TikTok post Sunday night. The road patrol officer immediately notified that Howell Police Department’s school resource officer, who initiated an investigation. Using technological data obtained in the initial part of the investigation, the school resource officer was able to determine the suspect’s possible location. Then, coordinating with an agent from the FBI’s Detroit-Ann Arbor office, contact was made with the residents of a home in Marion Township.
Interviews were conducted, during which the suspect confessed to posting the TikTok.
Howell Public Schools Superintendent Erin J. MacGregor issued a statement that said the district would be closed on Monday “out of an abundance of caution.”
When the investigation is complete, it will be forwarded to the Livingston County Prosecutor’s Office for review and potential criminal charges. Because of the age of the suspect, no arrest was made.
“We take these types of threats of violence against our children very seriously and sympathize with all of the families affected by the poor choices made by one individual,” said the Howell Police Department in a statement. “We also thank … the FBI Detroit-Ann Arbor Resident Office for its rapid assistance in this incident.”
