Midwest
Teens’ viral prank targeting homeowners could have deadly consequences, police warn
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Kansas authorities are issuing a warning to both parents and homeowners regarding a “dangerous new TikTok trend” in which teenagers throughout the country are putting their lives at risk for the sake of social media fame.
According to the Merriam Police Department, residents in the area have reported several instances of teens rushing up to the front of their homes and kicking the doors to appear as though someone is breaking in, as part of the “door kick challenge.”
“We’ve received multiple reports about a reckless TikTok challenge called ‘The Door Kick Challenge,’” the department said in a Facebook post. “This trend encourages pounding and kicking on doors to mimic a home invasion.”
Since last weekend, four people in the local Georgetown apartment complex have made reports of teens partaking in the challenge, FOX 4 reported.
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Home surveillance video shared by the Merriam Police Department shows the moment two teens can be seen approaching the front door of a home. (Merriam Police Department/Facebook)
“They’re videotaping themselves going and attempting to kick open residential doors, presumably as a prank or to scare the homeowners,” Sgt. Kristin Jasinski said, according to the outlet.
Ring doorbell camera video released by the department shows a pair of teens approaching the front of a home, with one individual kicking the door while another stands with their cellphone out – presumably filming the act.
“I know it can seem funny,” Jasinski said, FOX 4 reported. “However, people do take things seriously like that if they’re not aware of these things happening, or they’re unsure what your intentions are. We would hate for there to be real-life consequences.”
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In the video, the individual runs to the front door of the home and kicks it, mimicking a home invasion, before both teens run off. (Merriam Police Department/Facebook)
The trend is concerning law enforcement officials, who say the teens risk criminal charges – such as vandalism and trespassing – or homeowners may use force to act in self-defense.
In addition to the video, the police department shared images from a separate incident in which a group of suspected teens broke the frame of a resident’s entryway.
“There’s dangers on both sides of the door. Obviously, we want to keep the homeowners safe, as well as the people that are participating in these pranks,” Jasinski said.
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In a separate incident, a group of teens allegedly broke the frame of a homeowner’s front door while participating in the viral “door kick challenge,” according to the Merriam Police Department. (Merriam Police Department/Facebook)
“Our biggest concern is that someone would be injured in the course of thinking that this was a real home invasion.”
Bradley Cooper, a resident of Shawnee at Westbrooke Glen Apartment Homes, told FOX 4 a pair of teens also struck his friend’s door in the complex.
“The other day he’s like, ‘I literally had my headset on, but I saw the door and could hear it through what I was playing, just straight move, just boom,’” Cooper said.
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The friend reportedly chased the teens down and ultimately caught up with one – who apologized.
“If someone had a gun they could shoot through the door,” Cooper said. “Stop, it’s not fun, you’re going to get yourself probably killed.”
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However, authorities are urging homeowners to call the police if they believe they have fallen victim to the so-called “prank.”
“Don’t pursue these people,” Jasinski said. “There’s no way for us to know in real time, until we interact with them and figure out what’s happening, or what’s actually going on. We don’t want to put you or the people involved at greater risk, engaging in some sort of pursuit. So, just stay in the house, call police, let us do our job.”
The Merriam Police Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
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WISCONSIN RAPIDS − The Daily Tribune is highlighting local events happening in the Wisconsin Rapids area. Every week, you’ll find three local events ranging from children’s activities to festivals, learning events, performances and more. Do you have an event you want to highlight? Email event descriptions, posters, event links, photos and more details to news@wisconsinrapidstribune.com.
Art exhibit opening night
Olio Arts & Music Center will host its Opening Night Meet the Artists: Small & Mighty Exhibit from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22 at 2651 Eighth St. S. in Wisconsin Rapids. The exhibit will feature a collection of miniature works with high attention to detail, including mini paintings, small sculptures and ceramics. The opening event will be free and open to the public. For more information, visit oliocenter.com or find Olio Arts & Music Center on Facebook.
Wingra Wind Quintet
The Arts Council of South Wood County and the Mead Witter School of Music at the University of Wisconsin-Madison will host the Wingra Wind Quintet at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Performing Arts Center at 1801 16th St. S. in Wisconsin Rapids. The Wingra Wind Quintet was founded in 1965 and is one of the longest-running quintet ensembles in the country. Tickets are $33 for adults and $15 for students and can be purchased through The Arts Council at 715-424-2787 or from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday at 1040 Eighth St. S., Suite 101. For more information, visit savorthearts.com or find Arts Council – Wisconsin Rapids on Facebook.
Sledding
You can check out the sledding scene at Poplar Springs in Wisconsin Rapids this weekend. Don’t have a sled? The Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce’s A.C.E. Community Leadership Cohort will be cutting the ribbon on a new Sled Library at 2:30 p.m. Jan. 23 at Poplar Springs on Fourth Street North where people can borrow a sled to enjoy on the hill and return it when they’re done. For more information, visit wisconsinrapidschamber.com or find Heart of Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce on Facebook.
Contact Caitlin at cshuda@usatodayco.com or follow her on Twitter @CaitlinShuda.
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The city of Minneapolis on Friday posted an anti-ICE video promoting “peaceful protest” and unity as confrontations between agitators and immigration officers continue to flare across the Twin Cities.
The 84-second video shared on the Minneapolis City YouTube page opens with a Minneapolis business sign that reads: “We love our Somali neighbors.” Throughout the video, multiple anti-ICE protest slogans are seen, including signs that read “Abolish,” “Ice out of our neighborhood” and “neighbors say ICE out.”
“Those who spread fear want attention,” a voice-over says in the video. “The best way to fight back and keep each other safe is not to give into them. Live your lives. Take care of one another. Support local businesses. Put your energy into peaceful protests and community support. Steer clear of the hate.”
The video then shows interviews with members of the community, including with faith leaders and images of Mayor Jacob Frey testifying last week at a Democratic Immigration hearing.
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Pro-immigration protesters, many holding signs telling ICE to leave, rally in front of Minneapolis City Hall, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
The caption of the video reads: “We know folks across Minneapolis are feeling scared, angry and uncertain. What those spreading fear and hate want most is attention – to agitate and escalate violent confrontation.”
The caption goes on to say that the community should continue to “meet this moment together with peace, unity, and the welcoming values that make Minneapolis so special.”
Protesters gather in front of the Minnesota State Capitol in response to the death of Renee Good, who was fatally shot by an ICE officer, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, in St. Paul. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Tensions flared in Minneapolis after 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good was fatally shot on Jan. 7 by an ICE officer while allegedly blocking an immigration operation in the city and driving toward the officer.
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Agitators across the Twin Cities have followed and harassed federal agents as they carry out operations, with some throwing snowballs at agents or screaming obscenities through bullhorns from just feet away. Some clashes have resulted in immigration officers deploying pepper spray and tear gas.
Law enforcement detain a man outside the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building during a protest on Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)
President Donald Trump’s administration is preparing 1,500 troops for potential deployment to Minnesota, a senior U.S. official confirmed to Fox News Digital.
The official says the U.S. Army’s 11th Airborne Division, which is based in Alaska and specializes in cold-weather and mountain warfare, has given prepare to deploy orders.
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Minneapolis and St. Paul are already hosting some 3,000 federal agents deployed there after a massive fraud scandal rocked the state late last year.
Fox News Digital’s Alexandra Koch and Anders Hagstrom, along with Fox News’ Jennifer Johnson contributed to this report.
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Detroit, MI
Newly released report details gunman calling 911 minutes before deadly Michigan church attack
The Grand Blanc Township Police Department on Tuesday, Jan. 20, released a recording of a 911 call believed to be of the gunman of the deadly attack on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Michigan.
The recording, obtained by CBS News Detroit, was believed to have been made minutes before the shooting and fire near the church on Sept. 28, 2025.
Four people were killed, and several others were injured in what the FBI has called “an act of targeted violence.” The suspect, 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford, was fatally shot by police.
“No, listen to me,” said the 911 caller believed to be Sanford, “I’m going to talk, and you are going to listen to me, then I’m going to hang up.”
According to the recording, the caller mentioned bombs located at three other churches and never mentioned the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township. Police say the first 911 call came in at 10:25 a.m., a few minutes after the 911 call from Sanford.
During the last press conference held by police on the day of the attack, investigators said they received additional threats. It’s unclear if they were referring to this call.
Investigators say Sanford drove his truck into the church on McCandlish Road and exited his truck, firing several rounds from an assault rifle at churchgoers before setting the church on fire.
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