A viral TikTok trend, known as the “Door Kick Challenge” or “Door Knock Challenge,” is causing alarm among law enforcement agencies across the country, with the National Fraternal Order of Police warning that the prank could lead to a fatal encounter with a homeowner.
Participants — typically teenagers — kick or aggressively bang on random residential doors, often at night, then run away. Though reminiscent of the traditional “ding-dong ditch” prank, this challenge has escalated to significant property damage and real safety concerns, police officials across the country say.
🚨 This is not a prank. This is how you get killed.Florida deputies are warning parents and teens after the viral “door kick” challenge nearly ended in tragedy. Late-night door kicking made homeowners reach for firearms, and officers found 14-year-olds in handcuffs instead of in… pic.twitter.com/R2Uf7EPT3A
— National Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) (@GLFOP) December 28, 2025
“This is how you get killed,” NFOP cautioned in an X post that urged parents to take action with their teenagers. “Late-night door kicking made homeowners reach for firearms, and officers found 14-year-olds in handcuffs instead of in bed. This trend puts lives at risk, triggers justified self-defense, and turns ‘views’ into felony charges and funerals.”…