Seattle police have gone public with a surveillance clip that shows a group charging up to a front door, slamming into it, then bolting back into the night as part of the so-called "door kick" challenge. What the internet treats like a quick stunt, officers say, can wreck property and spark confrontations that get ugly fast.
As reported by KIRO 7 News Seattle, investigators shared the homeowner's footage on Monday and asked anyone who recognizes the people in the video to contact detectives. The station's coverage includes the security video officers are using to try to put names to the faces. Police have not yet announced any arrests or charges while the investigation continues.
A Trend With Real Consequences
Law enforcement across Washington has been sounding the alarm about the "door kick" craze as similar incidents pop up in suburbs and smaller communities, a pattern Fox 13 Seattle has covered. Officers warn that what starts as a prank can escalate quickly if a startled homeowner decides to confront the people at the door.
Local coverage and other reporting have tracked a growing list of copycat episodes, including a late-night porch scare that rattled a Loganville neighborhood and left residents on edge, per a Loganville porch scare report that described doors damaged and neighbors shaken. Police say viral clips can sometimes help them spot suspects, but the attention can also fuel more risky stunts from people chasing online views.
Legal Consequences and Safety Tips
Under Washington law, deliberately damaging someone’s door or stepping onto private property without permission can bring criminal charges for malicious mischief and trespass. Those offenses are laid out in the Revised Code of Washington, including RCW 9A.48 and RCW 9A.52, with penalties that depend on the amount of damage and the circumstances. Prosecutors can file cases against juveniles or adults, depending on who is involved.
Police departments urge residents to save any doorbell or security footage, avoid direct confrontations at the door, and report suspicious activity to law enforcement. That advice echoes guidance highlighted by KTVZ in coverage of similar incidents.
Anyone who recognizes a person in the Seattle video or has additional footage that could help is asked to contact local police or submit a tip directly to detectives. Authorities say quick calls and saved camera clips remain the most effective way to hold participants accountable and shut down copycat challenges before someone gets hurt.
