Cops Say Viral Challenge Could Get Teens Killed

Florida cops say a new viral stunt could get teenagers killed. The Flagler County Sheriff's Office is sounding the alarm about the "door kick challenge," in which masked teens wearing hoodies rush up to strangers' homes, kick or bang on the front door, then sprint away, WFLA reports. Doorbell-camera footage released by the department shows two masked people approaching a house, one apparently filming, before a loud thud and a quick escape. Deputies say there's no way for a homeowner to know it's a prank—and in Florida, that's a critical distinction.

Because the state's Stand Your Ground law allows residents to use weapons against someone they reasonably think is breaking in, authorities warn the challenge could provoke a deadly response. "We don't want teens being shot because the internet told them to kick on the wrong person's door dressed as a burglar," the sheriff's office said in a Facebook post. "A prank and a home invasion look exactly the same through a peephole, the sheriff's office said. "In Florida, your neighbor has the legal right to treat it like the real thing."

Sheriff Rick Staly urged parents to monitor what their kids are doing and who they're with, WKMG reports. "Be the sheriff of your own home," he said, and "make sure they know the risks associated with doing what the internet tells them to do."

• The sheriff's office Facebook post restated the message in language it said teens would understand: "Okay, real talk. Florida is a Stand Your Ground state. A NPC wakes up to two randos kicking their door at 1am wearing sheisties—they don't see a flex, they get the ick, and think your side quest is a home invasion. And no cap, you'll get capped. Taking an L on TikTok? Recoverable. Taking a round to the chest? There's no respawn."