Masked teens kick down front doors to fire realistic fake guns in alarming internet challenge: ‘Not a joke'
Chilling security camera footage shows five teens creeping around Riverview in Florida just after 10:30 p.m. Friday, taking part in the 'door kick challenge,' according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
'Two of the juveniles approached a residence, and one of the juveniles, wearing a ski mask, kicked the front door and fired an airsoft gun before fleeing,' the sheriff's office said.
3 A teenager approached the door in a ski mask, kicked it in and fired the toy gun.
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
Such a prank 'could end in tragedy,' the department said — a warning echoed by local residents.
'This is Florida,' a local who only gave the first name Amy told WFLA. 'We're allowed to carry, we're allowed to protect ourselves, our homes, our property, our children, our pets.
3 The five teens were walking around a neighborhood in Riverside, Florida.
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
'It's not a joke,' she continued. 'It may be lighthearted and funny to look back on your TikTok videos, sending it to your buddies on Worldstar, whatever.
'Unfortunately, it's going to end up really bad for someone one day,' she said.
3 Police said the teens were partaking in the one of the latest internet challenges.
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
Locals called the clout-chasing exploits a 'terrifying situation' — and some were wary to even open their doors to reporters, according to WFLA.
Amy said she returned to her home Friday night and found a group of juveniles hanging outside 'I got out [and] asked them if there was anything I could assist them with,' she said. 'They told me to mind my own business.'
The situation escalated when the youths 'started to get more derogatory with me,' Amy said — forcing her to call the cops.
She said she wants teenagers to understand the prank could quickly turn into a potentially 'life or death' situation.
'Your mom's not going to want to cry at your eulogy about it, so think next time,' she added.
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Miami Herald
4 hours ago
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New York Post
20 hours ago
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