Police warn viral “door-kicking” challenge hits neighborhoods, raising safety concerns
By Michael Rosales
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SALINAS, California (KSBW) — A viral “door-kicking” challenge circulating on social media has reached Salinas, with residents reporting teens sprinting up to homes, kicking front doors, and running away.
One incident in the Creekbridge neighborhood was caught on a Ring camera. There have been similar posts appearing across the Nextdoor app, with at least one Salinas resident saying a kick knocked their door off its hinges.
A concerned neighbor blames lack of supervision and peer pressure.
“Parents are working, and they don’t know where their kids are,” one resident said.
Police across the country warn that the trend has already led to violent confrontations.
“This year alone, there’s been two deaths related to this — one in Texas and one in Virginia— where individuals were shot as they were fleeing,” said Chief Thomas Bell of Lower Swatara Township police.
Elk Grove police added, “What may be fun to post is traumatic and terrorizing to those on the other side of the door.”
Authorities advise parents to talk with teens about risks, and residents to report incidents save video evidence and avoid confrontations.
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