New York Warns About The Risky Door Kick Challenge Trend

New York police are warning residents to be aware of a social media 'Door Kick Challenge'. In some cases this particular 'prank' has resulted in property damage, 911 calls and in a few cases this challenge resulted in death.

When I was growing up, in the late 70's and early 80's, our pranks seemed wild and crazy but with time we know they were pretty tame. Maybe you had to deal with toilet paper in your tree, a stink bomb or the occasional streaker. When a prank results in death, it is no longer a prank.

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The premise of this social media challenge is for an individual, or individuals, to kick or bang on residents' doors before running away. Law enforcement agencies across the country have issued stern warnings that this 'prank' is often perceived as a home invasion by homeowners

KOMO News reports, on Tuesday May 12th one of these door kick challenges made the news in Washington State as, what looks like an adult male, was captured on surveillance camera kicking the front door of a home so violently that the damage will cost thousands to repair.

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Earlier this year Hudson Valley Police issued this warning, 'This is intended to mimic a home invasion to capture the resident’s reaction and post it online. Though it may seem like a prank, participants risk facing criminal charges and unintended confrontations with homeowners.'

In May of 2025 an 18-year-old from Virginia was shot and killed by a homeowner after reportedly participating in the challenge. The homeowner faces second-degree murder charges.