Maricopa Faces Chaos with TikTok’s Viral ‘Kick the Door’ Challenge

The harmless internet challenges of the past, such as the Ice Bucket Challenge and Chubby Bunny, have given way to more dangerous trends. In the latest viral phenomenon, local troublemakers are reportedly participating in an online trend that involves damaging homes and terrifying residents. This has led to a spate of incidents in Senita and Tortosa, including one at Ron Ingram’s home on Kimberly Street.

Ingram shared photos on social media of his severely damaged front door, which fell victim to the so-called “challenge” on July 20. “Minding my fully grown adult business & I hear a loud BOOM,” Ingram wrote. He checked on his 16-year-old daughter and discovered that his front door had been kicked in, the doorframe torn from the wall despite the deadbolt still being engaged.

“Parents, please warn your children about this bullsh*t because it’s Arizona,” Ingram urged. “Nobody in Arizona [is] playing games about the safety of their family.” He mentioned that the police had received numerous calls about similar incidents in the area.

However, the Maricopa Police Department confirmed that they did not respond to Ingram’s house. The issue isn’t isolated. Tortosa resident Sarah Ann recounted a similar experience on social media. Someone rang her doorbell and then kicked or threw something hard at her door, leaving a visible boot print.

This behavior aligns with the “kick door challenge,” another dangerous trend that originated on TikTok. Participants typically bang on doors in the dead of night and then flee. It’s an escalation of the old prank known as ding-dong-ditch but with potentially criminal repercussions.

This unsettling trend is just one among many. A recent “door knock challenge” in Maine resulted in a teenager being shot. Other infamous TikTok challenges include the “condom snorting challenge,” the “devious lick challenge” involving theft and vandalism in schools, and the “Kia Boyz challenge,” which encouraged auto theft using a USB cable.