Police departments in Texas are warning residents about a viral social media trend that involves juveniles forcefully kicking or banging on random front doors in the middle of the night.
Known as the “Door-Kicking Challenge” or “Who’s That Knocking Challenge,” the trend has gained traction on TikTok and other platforms, where participants record themselves kicking front doors and then fleeing. Law enforcement officials say the behavior is more than a prank — it could have legal and potentially dangerous consequences.
Sheriff Bobby Smith of Jefferson County said his office is investigating five to ten damaged homes and is considering filing criminal mischief charges. “They think it’s fun to commit these acts, but there’s repercussions not only from the law, but these homeowners,” Smith said in a public statement. “We hope and pray it doesn’t get to that point, but there’s always that possibility.”
While no damage has been reported in Flower Mound, police there say they have received several calls from concerned residents. Officers are encouraging parents to speak with their children about the risks associated with such behavior.
“Please have a conversation with your children about the potential dangers of participating in this trend,” officials said in a statement posted on the department’s social media channels.
Fort Worth police confirmed the trend has been reported in North Texas. “This trend has been reported across the country, including right here in Texas,” the Fort Worth Police Department said in a public advisory.
The challenge often involves participants approaching homes late at night and kicking doors while loud music or sound effects play in the background of the videos. Officials say the challenge mimics the classic “ding-dong ditch” prank but with far more aggressive tactics that could provoke serious consequences.
Fort Worth police emphasized that even when no property is stolen or broken into, the behavior can still result in criminal charges.
“It is imperative that individuals partaking in this trend understand that even if no burglary or theft occurs, this behavior is illegal and considered vandalism and can lead to criminal charges,” the Fort Worth Police Department stated.
Authorities are particularly concerned that homeowners may interpret the behavior as an attempted break-in. Texas law includes a “castle doctrine” provision, which allows individuals to use force in defense of their homes if they reasonably believe an unlawful entry or threat is occurring. Law enforcement officials say this increases the risk of a potentially violent encounter if a homeowner misinterprets the situation.
“More critically, it can be mistaken as an attempted break-in, potentially prompting dangerous or defensive responses from homeowners,” the Fort Worth Police Department stated.