An 11-year-old boy was shot and killed in Houston while participating in a door-knocking prank with friends. The incident occurred around 10:55 p.m. on Saturday in southeast Houston, according to police. The child, initially reported as 10 years old, was pronounced dead at a hospital on Sunday. His name has not been released pending an autopsy.

Police reported that the boy was ringing doorbells in the neighborhood and running away when he was shot in the back. A witness stated that the boy was fleeing from a house after ringing the doorbell just before the gunfire erupted.

Sgt. Michael Cass of the Houston Police Department confirmed that one person was detained for questioning. This individual was initially released but was later detained again as a potential suspect after the boy's death was reported to police around 2 p.m. on Sunday. It remains unclear if the detained man was the homeowner where the shooting took place. A search warrant executed at the residence revealed a significant number of weapons.

Cass explained that the victim lived about a block away and was running with at least two friends when a man reportedly exited the home with a handgun and fired multiple shots in their direction. After being struck, the boy managed to run about a block before collapsing in the street.

This incident is reminiscent of the so-called "Door Kicking Challenge," a trend where groups of children film themselves knocking on doors and running away, often posting the videos on social media platforms like TikTok. In a similar case in July, a 58-year-old homeowner in Frisco, Texas, was arrested for aggravated assault after firing at a vehicle that fled his home following a door knock.

In June, police in Chandler, Arizona, released footage of juveniles participating in the "Door Kicking Challenge," claiming the same home was targeted at least 18 times, leading the homeowner to relocate. Authorities have warned that such pranks can lead to serious consequences, including criminal charges.

"Let’s be clear: These ‘pranks’ can have serious consequences and lead to charges such as criminal damage, disorderly conduct, or harassment," the Chandler Police Department stated in a message to parents. They urged parents to discuss safety with their children and to be aware of their activities.

Similarly, the Fort Worth Police Department issued a warning after receiving over 20 complaints related to the "Door Kicking Challenge," emphasizing that these actions could be misinterpreted as attempted break-ins, potentially provoking dangerous responses from homeowners.