What is ‘To catch a predator’ TikTok trend? Assumption University students allegedly attack man in social media inspired trap

Six students of Assumption University, Massachusetts, were arrested for allegedly harassing an innocent man, while trying to recreate a TikTok trend called 'To catch a predator' challenge that originated from an NBC reality series of the same name. Five of the students were charged with kidnapping and conspiracy.

The series, which has been discontinued, filmed men arriving at a predecided location to have s*x with minors, after arranging the meeting in an online chat with adults posing as underage persons. The TikTok trend emulates the show where people showcase their version of trying to catch "alleged" predators.

This was not the first instance of students recreating the trend in a bid to go viral. Five months ago, the police had warned children and teens about this dangerous trend that lures and extorts innocent people by alleging that the predators.

Tom Hackney, crime and safety analyst, stated in an interview with FOX29:

"This is by far the singular most stupid thing that could possibly be out there for these kids to do. It's so dangerous." He added: "When they're kids, and especially when they have these portals to the world and idiotic things that tempt them, you've to be on top of them."

Assumption University students get charged for allegedly attacking a man to recreate a viral social media trend

Six Assumption University students were arrested, and five of them were charged with kidnapping and conspiracy for allegedly attacking an innocent man in order to recreate the viral TikTok trend 'To catch a predator'.

As per reports, the incident took place on October 1, 2024, when Kelsy Brainard allegedly used dating apps to lure a man into the Assumption University campus. When the man reached the university, a group of students accused him of being a s*xual predator and restrained him against his will. As per the victim, he was able to break free and run to save his life, while being chased by "a mob of 25 or more people." When the victim reached his car, he was reportedly punched and kicked.

Upon receiving a report of disturbance, the Assumption University police approached the scene. At first, Brainard accused the man of seeking a s*xual encounter with her. However, further investigation by the Worcester Police Department revealed Brainard was fabricating the truth.

In December 2024, the victim filed a complaint against the students, alleging they had falsely accused him of being a predator, restrained and assualted him. The investigators obtained CCTV footage from the university, which showed Brainard did not appear to be in fear. Rather, she was seen laughing. Following the revelation, Brainard was charged with witness intimidation, and another student named Kevin Carroll faced an additional charge of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Assumption University President Greg Weiner issued a statement, saying:

"[The students' behavior was] abhorrent and antithetical to Assumption University’s mission and values. In all circumstances, we expect our students to exercise sound judgment and uphold the principles of respect, responsibility, and character that define our community.”

As per reports, the anonymous victim is in his early twenties. He was in town to attend his grandmother's funeral and started talking to Brainard on dating apps. Brainard's profile stated she was 18 years old and, while they agreed to meet, there was no proof of the man asking for s*x with underage girls in the chats, according to Assumption University police. They said:

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"There is absolutely no evidence presented to indicate the man was seeking s*xual relations with underage girls."

The Assumption University students are due to appear in court on January 16, 2025 and no further information about the case has been disclosed yet. In December 2024, a similar incident took place, where 11 students from Illinois were charged with felony after they allegedly lured two men via dating apps and assaulted them in order to emulate a social media trend.

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