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2016 clown sightings

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The 2013 clown seeings, referred to in various regions by names such as "panic", "uprising", "craze", "invasion" and the like, are a series of evil clown sightings reported in the United States and to a lesser extent other Western countries since August 2016.[1][2][3][4][5] The clown sightings were first reported in South Carolina.[6] By early October they had been reported in over half of US states, eight out of ten Canadian provinces, and six other countries.Italic text

While some sightings lacked evidence of criminal activity, others led to arrests. In Pennsylvania, a clown allegedly stabbed a high school student to death.[7]

Scope and timeline

The phenomenon began in Greenville, South Carolina in the United States in early August, followed by incidents in Canada shortly afterward. It continued to spread around the US to the present.[8]

In early October, further incidents were reported in Canada and the first occurrences in UK and Australia.

Throughout this time, Internet social media sites received numerous postings related to this phenomenon. In reaction, a California school district has banned clown costumes during Halloween.[9]

Incidents

United States

After originally occurring in South Carolina, the sightings spread to more than half the country's states.[10][11][12][13][14][15][15][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27]

Arizona

Two 17-year-old males allegedly robbed a Phoenix Taco Bell and Domino's Pizza while wearing clown masks. Both of the alleged robbers were armed with weapons, and a gun was fired once during one of the robberies, but no one was injured. The two were arrested for robbery.[28]

Arkansas & Missouri

Throughout the Ozarks, sightings of clowns have become common. One driver reported seeing a clown lurking around by Republic High School during the night in Missouri. A clown was arrested in Downtown Bentonville, Arkansas on October 5, 2016.[29] Clowns have also been sighted in Platte City and Joplin, Missouri.

California

On October 4, clowns threatened Fairfield, Sacramento, and Vallejo public school campuses.[30][31][31] A clown sighting was reported in Temecula.[32]

On October 5, a clown was accused of attempting to kidnap a one-year-old child in Concord. No arrests have been yet made.[33]

On October 5, in the Los Angeles County city of Lancaster, three incidents of groups of people wearing clown masks and possibly armed with kitchen knives were reported to the police. No injuries were reported.[34] In San Pedro, Los Angeles, two clowns were spotted by employees at Taper Avenue Elementary School & Technology Magnet. One clown allegedly had the writing "killer" printed on his mask.[35] In Northridge, Los Angeles, at California State University, Northridge, two students were chased down by a lone clown in the campus.[36]

A 14-year-old from Fontana was arrested for making clown-related threats towards schools.[32]

On October 6, clowns were spotted at multiple schools including ones in Moreno Valley, Sacramento, and Beaumont. One clown allegedly walked around the school campus with a sign that read "WEARECOMINGTOCALI." The Huntington Beach Police Department received reports of two separate clown sightings in Huntington Beach: one near a community park and two near a shopping center.[37]

On the same day, the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety launched an investigation in response to nine clown sightings being reported in the city in the past few days. In nearby Santa Rosa, the Santa Rosa City Schools worked with the Santa Rosa Police Department to investigate clown-related threats made to the district's schools, which were apparently hoaxes.[8] Social media reports of potential clown-related activity in the Bay Area's Antioch and Oakland schools lead to investigations by city police investigations.[8]

Marysville police arrested a juvenile on a felony charge for allegedly making clown-related threats of shooting people at Yuba County schools.[38]

An 11-year-old boy from Salinas was cited for cyberbullying on October 8 for making clown threats towards Alisal Elementary School District schools.[39]

Colorado

On October 6, an altercation occurred between a clown and a man at the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail in Colorado Springs. The man allegedly asked the clown to identify himself, who refused to do so, and the man punched the clown in the face. The clown then allegedly hit a bottle of whiskey over the man's head, resulting in him bleeding. No arrests have been made in the case.[40]

Connecticut

High schools such as Eli Whitney, Wilbur Cross, Co-Op and James Hillhouse were threatened by "Jackson the Clown" on social media. Two girls were later arrested for the threats.[41]

Florida

Numerous reports of creepy clowns sightings have been received by the Indian River County Sheriff's Office. In Indian River County, on September 28, while walking her dog, a woman reported seeing a person in a clown costume come out from behind a tree. The person was dressed in a white clown costume, wore a mask, and had red hair.[42]

On September 28, a group of classmates in the Vero Lake Estates area were chased by someone in a clown mask after getting off a bus.[42]

A woman near Victoria Park reported sighting two clowns staring at her. Police alerted agencies in the surrounding area. They also conducted a search of railroad tracks and forest areas near US highway 1 but were unable to find the clowns.[42]

Numerous Floridian schools were also put under lockdown due to the clown scare.[43][44] Additionally, threats arose on social media from people masquerading as clowns, where they threaten to cause a school shooting. One of these "killer clowns" was discovered to be a 12-year-old boy, who said he was going to kill students at Pasco County schools and was subsequently arrested.[45][46]

Georgia

The LaGrange Police Department received reports of clowns in a van luring children on September 12.[47] Two people were later arrested for falsely reporting a clown sighting, and four were arrested for making a "terroristic threat" involving clown costumes.[48] Dublin Police Chief Tim Chatman stated that an individual involved in a car accident reported seeing a clown and swerved to avoid the clown, although no one saw a clown at the time of the incident.[49]

Idaho

In early October, reports of clowns walking around school campuses and around streets, some armed with weapons, were made in eastern Idaho, including Blackfoot.[50]

Illinois

On October 4, multiple students at Greenwood Elementary School reported that three clowns, one with a briefcase, one with a handgun, and one with a knife, stood on the edge of the school's property and threatened the students. The clowns reportedly made threats to the students, and fled in an SUV. The incident is being investigated by the Waukegan Police Department.[51]

Indiana

These sightings first began in the southern tip of the state and in the last couple weeks there have been attempts by individuals, mainly college students, to "hunt" these clowns as sightings continue to grow in their respective campuses and towns. The known campuses that have reported clown sightings are Purdue University, Indiana University, and Indiana State University. Many towns and cities have also had sightings including Brazil, Terre Haute, Shelbyville, and suburbs of Indianapolis.[citation needed]

Kansas

On September 27, 2016, a clown was spotted creeping in the bushes near the intersection of 85th Street and Parallel Parkway in Kansas City, Kansas.[16]

On October 1, 2016, in Topeka, a clown was spotted near the intersection of Southeast 37th Street and Southeast Adams Street.[24] A few days later on the morning of October 4, 2016, children waiting at a bus stop in the 2400 block of Southeast Colonial Drive witnessed a clown with a knife chasing a 13-year-old girl; however by the time police arrived, the clown was gone.[17]

During the day of October 4, in nearby Lawrence, Kansas several people reported seeing clowns lurking around the University of Kansas campus, with many witnesses posting photos to social media.[23] The clown sightings caused one sorority to go into lockdown.[19] Clowns were also spotted in Lawrence near Free State High School, however upon investigation, those clowns were found to be harmless and were merely waving at passing cars.[19]

Reports of clowns have also been made in the Kansas cities of Chanute, Pittsburg, and Parsons; however the Parsons report was later revealed to be a hoax.[15][52]

Kentucky

On September 23, 20-year-old Jonathan Martin was arrested for wearing a hood or mask in a public place, disorderly conduct and two outstanding warrants for non-payment of fines and failure to appear in court. Martin was found in a full "creepy" clown costume, lurking in wooded area near a Kentucky apartment block.[53]

On October 1, a woman reported that while she was walking on a trail at night, a clown came out of the woods, assaulted her and attempted to drag her into the woods. Officials reported that the woman was able to fight the clown off and escape, while also stating that this is the first clown sighting in Clark County.[54]

On the same day, a man in Bardstown mistook a woman wearing a white afghan out walking her dog for a clown and fired a warning shot with an AR-15 to scare the clown.[55]

Maine

On October 4, a person dressed as a clown was reported to have stood in an Orono neighborhood for approximately 15 minutes.[56] There have also been sightings in Standish, Kennebunk, Gorham and Porter.[57]

Maryland

In October, clowns themed accounts through different social media outlets began sending out threats to shoot PGCPS county schools[58] for fun[citation needed], although on October 3, Prince George's County Police arrested a Parkdale High School student connected to these threats. There were also clown sightings around the Maryland Area.[citation needed]

On October 4, 2016, a Facebook user named David Gates filmed a live feed of himself searching for a clown that was sighted standing in his driveway in the Golden Beach area in Mechanicsville, MD. The clown was described as wearing all black with red hair and an all-white face. The live feed reached around 200 viewers, but no clown was found and the police department was not called. During the live feed, it was discussed that there are clown pages on Instagram, containing lists and pictures that threaten several schools.

In Early October, students from Western Heights Middle School in Hagerstown, MD claimed to have seen a clown outside of the school while they were on the basketball courts. This was later proved to be a hoax.

Massachusetts

On October 3, Monday night, students at Merrimack College were briefly told to shelter in place and a residence hall was evacuated after someone reported an armed clown on campus.[59]

Michigan

At 3 am in the early morning of October 2, 2016, 17-year-old Chris Henckel spotted a clown standing at a car wash in Clinton Township, a suburb of Detroit, while driving through the area with friends.[60] While Henckel was not approached or harmed by the clown, he says that it attempted to follow his car.[60] Henckel posted a video of the encounter on Twitter, where it went viral.[60] Clinton Township police declined to investigate the incident, as Henckel wasn't harmed and they haven't received any reports or complaints of strange clowns in the area.[60] Henckel said he drove by the car wash multiple times afterwards in an attempt to find the clown again, but so far it hasn't reappeared.[60]

Two days later, on October 4, 2016, two clown attacks were reported in Sterling Heights, another Detroit suburb in close vicinity to Clinton Township. In the first incident, a seven-year-old boy was approached outside of his home at 6:50 pm by a person of an unspecified gender with "red hair, a red nose and red facial features" wielding a sharp object; the clown scratched the boy's arm with the object then fled, the boy only suffering a minor injury.[60] Later that night at 8:30 pm, two women walking reported being approached by three adult males in clown masks, one of which was wielding a baseball bat, who screamed obscenities, hit the bat against an adjacent fence and then ran away.[60] Sterling Heights police are investigating both incidents and are seeking help from the public.[60] On the same day, the police department of the Detroit suburb of Troy, which borders Sterling Heights, issued a notice that any clowns spotted trespassing at schools or on any private property will be automatically arrested and detained.[61] The notice came after reports of clowns being spotted at area schools during classroom hours, as well as clown-related threats being made to area schools on twitter.[61] They also stated concern for the safety of the clowns, who they fear could be harmed by frightened civilians who may attempt to defend themselves.[61]

On October 3 an anonymous man released a photograph of a clown spotted that night in Lake Orion He was spotted near an ice cream parlor across from a cemetery at the intersection of Indianwood and Lapeer. The clown did not approach and fled on foot right after the photograph was taken.

On October 6, another incident occurred in Livonia, Michigan involving a man in a clown outfit robbing an Embassy Suites by Hilton at gunpoint. The suspect then led police on a chase that took them down Merriman Road where people in the surrounding area heard gunshots, Livonia Public Schools had all schools on lockdown until the situation was resolved. The same suspect was also involved in a second robbery at a Days Inn south of the first incident. The suspect is still at large at the time of this writing.

Also on October 6, two 14-year-old girls were terrorized by two teenage women dressed as clowns, who jumped out of a car and chased them. In a press release after their arrest, the Roseville police chief referred to them as "morons" and "idiots".[62]

Minnesota

A 15 year old girl from Bloomington created a "Kroacky Klown" Facebook profile and made threats to "kill" in Bloomington and other cities. After police interviewed the girl, she explained she created the profile on her younger sister's phone to scare her boyfriend but "the situation got out of control and went viral," police said.[63]

Mississippi

On September 21 in Tchula, Police Chief Kenneth Hampton reported seeing a clown wearing a multi-colored wig, overalls, and a mask carrying what appeared to be a machete. Upon seeing the police car, the clown fled. His or her whereabouts remain unknown.[64]

Nebraska

In early October, clowns were spotted in Lincoln and Grand Island. On October 5, four teenage clowns were arrested for terroristic threats in Grand Island. One was in possession of a BB gun.[65]

Nevada

In Sparks, Nevada, three men were chased by a suspicious man, dressed like a clown wielding a machete near the Shadow Mountain Sports Complex.[21]

New Jersey

In Phillipsburg, New Jersey, a boy claims to have been chased by a clown with a sword. The boy says that he heard the clown say "I’m gonna get cha".[66]

In Fair Lawn, New Jersey, two people were arrested after scaring a driver. In Toms River, a 12 and 14-year-old girl were arrested for making separate clown hoaxes.

Clowns were also spotted in Bound Brook, New Jersey, Monroe, New Jersey, North Plainfield, New Jersey, and Spotswood, New Jersey.[67][68]

New Mexico

In the first week of October, police in Hobbs received multiple reports of clown sightings. No arrests have yet been made.[69]

In the second week of October, there were reports of clowns armed with baseball bats walking around Roswell.[70]

On October 9, three juveniles with clown masks were arrested outside a children's clothing store in Albuquerque. They were found in possession of a firearm.[70]

New York

On September 28 and 29 sightings were reported in Brentwood and North Babylon on Long Island.[71] The North Babylon School District and Shenendehowa School District went on "lockout" the following day, and the Lindenhurst School District employed precautions.[71] A "lockout" means that nobody is allowed to enter or leave during class hours.[72] A Twitter account called "Suffolk Clowns" (@LIClowns) emerged, making (possibly joking) threats to numerous school districts and posting pictures of clowns. However, the account has since been suspended.

Clown hunting

After an alleged clown sighting at St. Bonaventure University, school officials issued a statement on October 5th requesting that students not take matters into their own hands when confronting potentially dangerous situations. Reports say that students had created a sign-up sheet for an "Anti-Clown Army" and students were later seen roaming the campus armed with baseball bats.[73]

North Carolina

On September 4, children in a Winston-Salem neighborhood reported to police about a clown attempting to lure them into some woods. They described him as wearing white overalls and gloves, red shoes, and bushy, red hair. His face was described as white with a red nose. They claim that he offered them treats if they would go with him. According to police, an adult heard, but did not see, the clown.[64]

On September 7, a witness reported seeing a person wearing a scary clown mask, red curly wig, yellow dotted shirt, blue clown pants and clown shoes exited the woods by an apartment complex around 10 a.m. in Greensboro, although the clown disappeared after another witness attempted to chase down the clown with a machete.[74]

Ohio

On September 27 at about 2 am, a woman called Lancaster police and reported that she had seen a clown with a large kitchen knife in its hand. Witnesses at the location told police that they had seen two clowns, one wearing a gold suit with balloon and the other wearing all black. Police failed to find them.[64]

On September 29, a woman was attacked while on her porch while she was smoking. She claimed that a man dressed as a clown grabbed her throat and said "I should just kill you now..."[75] The victim also stated that he said that "some students and teachers would wish they were never born at the junior and senior high school today."[75] That prompted Reading school superintendent Chuck LaFata to cancel Friday classes in the area, prompting local private school Mount Notre Dame to close as well.[75][76]

Also, a junior high student was arrested after making a clown-related threat using the Internet.[75]

On Sunday, October 2, a total of seven people were arrested in Cincinnati area over clown-related threats. These students were charged with inciting panic for allegedly suggesting a "Clown Clan" descend on their schools.[77]

On October 4, a Speedway gas station in Dayton, Ohio was robbed by three individuals, one wearing a surgical mask, one a Guy Fawkes mask and one a clown mask.[78]

In response to the various incidents, the sheriff of Darke County, Ohio, Toby Spencer, posted a challenge to those who might consider pulling a clown prank, that "...as of today we have issued 6,125 (concealed carry) permits in Darke County alone. You might also ask yourself how your luck will be today."[79]

Oklahoma

There have been sightings in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Moore, Oklahoma, McAlester, Oklahoma, Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Chickasha, Oklahoma as well as Miami, Oklahoma.[14][15]

During the evening of October 7, 2016, several residents of a Moore, Oklahoma neighborhood confronted two individuals clad in clown attire, warning them of the serious consequences they could face if they persisted in their activities. The two clowns had apparently been loitering at a neighborhood playground, lurking around suspiciously and scaring children. During the confrontation one clown fled, but the other clown stayed for the duration of the lecture, eventually coming to see the truth in what the residents were saying - and removing his clown costume.[80]

Oregon

A woman reported on September 30 that a clown tried to break into her car near the O'Bryant Square in Portland.[81]

A man was arrested in Central Point on October 5 after posting pictures of himself dressed as a clown and trespassing at various local high schools. He was booked into the Jackson County Jail and faces charges of disorderly conduct and second-degree trespassing.[82]

On October 6, a 55-year-old man in a clown mask was arrested for menacing at Floyd Light Middle School in Portland. An assistant principal confronted the man, who then allegedly threatened to hurt him. The suspect is facing charges of menacing and disorderly conduct.[83]

Pennsylvania

On September 18, 2016, in State College, a clown was seen acting strangely at the parking lot of a YMCA early in the morning.[84] In late September, reports stated that an individual dressed as an angry clown was seen with a knife around the wooded areas behind of Kistler Elementary School.[85] Rumors of a clown threatening the Cumberland Valley school district have also been reported. A Reading High School student was stabbed and killed by someone in a clown mask on September 25.[7] York College students have reported numerous sightings on and off the campus.[86] Both the Erie Police Department and the Pennsylvania State Police confirmed that in the city of Erie, there has been multiple clown sightings during the month of September.[87]

On October 3, 2016, the Pennsylvania State Police issued a "Community Awareness Bulletin" which specifically addressed the "creepy clown" reports that have been appearing in news and social media around the country. The general tone of the bulletin was cautionary, yet at the same time it reinforced the notion that many of the threats specific to clowns attacking schools had "not been validated". The bulletin also recalls the 1980's clown sightings in various US cities, as well as providing a phone number, email address and information about a smartphone app that citizens can use to report suspicious behavior to authorities. [88]

Clown hunting

After an alleged clown sighting at University Park, on October 3, Penn State students gathered together for a "clown hunt". Reports say that the number of students attended this hunt ranged from 500 to 1,000. Following the riot/hunt, the police stated that they did not believe that there were any actual clown sightings, but also stated that there was no property damage, no injury and no violence.[89][90]

Puerto Rico

At least ten cases of clown sightings were reported in Puerto Rico, including a clown being reported lurking around a Guaynabo home.[91]

Rhode Island

On October 4, 2016, the Providence Journal reported that social media threats were made against Tolman High School and Goff Junior High in Pawtucket that prompted rumors of clown sightings. There was also reports of a clown with a machete chased people out of Slater Park on three separate occasion and that a clown was seen hanging around schools in the same city.[92] A teenage boy was arrested soon after for making threats against schools on social media involving clown masks.[93]

South Carolina

Although sightings were initially reported in South Carolina in mid-August, the phenomenon began to spread north from late August through the end of September.[13]

On August 21, 2016, there was an alleged clown sighting in Greenville, SC at the Fleetwood Manor Apartment complex. Children in the complex reportedly witnessed clowns or a group of clowns attempting to whisper or talk to the children. The children told their parents that the clowns, equipped with “flashing green laser lights”, said they lived in an abandoned house in the woods near a small lake. Greenville police came to the complex to investigate, and did find a trail in the woods leading to a house and a small lake, but no evidence of clowns or clown paraphernalia was found.[94]

While some of these reports have been harmless, others reports have been more suspicious. In one instances, a woman reported a person in a clown costume was standing in her backyard and ran away as she took a picture.[95] In one case, an individual had heard clanging chains and a banging noise at his front door. While other cases report a clown offering money or candy to children to follow the clown into the woods.[96]

Texas

On October 3, 2016, a clown attacked a person at a housing complex at Texas State University.[18] The victim said the alleged clown tried to grab her before she could pull away. The suspect then left in an unknown direction, according to University police.[97]

A report of a creepy clown on the campus of Texas Tech University was also made to police in Lubbock, Texas on October 3, 2016.[22]

On October 5, 2016, the Tuloso-Midway Independent School District, which has about 4,000 students in its five schools, ordered a lockdown about 9 a.m. Wednesday after a bus driver and a monitor on the bus said they saw a clown sitting inside a vehicle near one of the schools, superintendent Sue Nelson said.[98]

On the morning of October 6, residents reported that a clown was knocking on doors of homes in a Manor neighborhood. An 18-year-old man was arrested, and police found a clown mask that belonged to the suspect.[99]

Utah

On October 3, 2016, in St. George, Utah, a woman reported to police that while she was walking, someone dressed as a clown had exited a vehicle and chased her, though in followup interviews she clarified that the individual had merely stared at her without saying or doing anything to her.[20]

Also on October 3, 2016, near midnight in Provo, Utah, a woman reported to police that someone dressed as a clown ran across her suburban yard.[100]

Vermont

In Williston on October 5, a 15-year-old boy was arrested after being accused of wearing a clown mask and banging the classroom windows of Jean Garvin Youth and Family Services School. He faces charges of disorderly conduct and inducing panic.[101]

Virginia

The Augusta County Sheriff's Office were notified about clown sightings many times; Virginia law prohibits anyone over 16 from wearing a mask to conceal one's identity, which has resulted in uneventful Halloween costume contests at bars and other venues.[102]

Washington

On October 3, several students at Rogers High School in Puyallup received text messages of a clown threatening to kill students at the school. A person reported that a clown was seen wielding a knife near the school campus on the following morning. The school was put on lockdown on October 4, and police found two clown masks in the woods adjacent to the school. Two other Pierce County schools, Emerald Ridge High School and Glacier View Junior High, were closed down on October 4 due to threats. The case is being investigated by both the Pierce County Sheriff's Office and the FBI.[103]

Wisconsin

On August 1, 2016, near the beginning of this spate of evil clown sightings, Wisconsin residents reported seeing Gags The Green Bay Clown. There has been speculation that this clown is related to an independent horror film due to premiere around Halloween.[42]

Canada

The first instance in Canada was reported in early August with few or none until October. During the first week of October, nearly all provinces had reported sightings.

Alberta

On October 5 in Edmonton, Harry Ainlay High School was put into lock down due to clown scare on social media.[104] The following day, other incidents in the city were reported at a Catholic school and junior high schools.[105][106][107] As well, two incidents of clown sighting occurred in Fort Saskatchewan, a city direct northeast of Edmonton.[108] Later a 15-year-old youth admitted dressing up as one of the clowns to RCMP in Fort Saskatchewan.[109]

Elsewhere in the province, the Calgary Police Service received messages from several Calgarians regarding images depicting clowns in the city.[110]

British Columbia

On October 5 in Langley, several Stafford Middle School boys were "terrified" when two teenagers wearing clown costumes leaped out from behind bushes and then chased them while they were on their way to school. The incident was reported to the RCMP.

On October 6, two teenaged boys were placed under arrest following a threat which following a threat that caused schools in the Prince George area to be locked down. The teenagers, aged 16 and 17, were arrested at a high school in the area.[111]

Manitoba

In Winnipeg rumours of clown sightings were reported at Collège Sturgeon Heights Collegiate. This prompted St. James-Assiniboia School Division to start an investigation about reports, they concluded that the image was just an accidental image taken of a student in a nearby field.[112]

New Brunswick

Police are investigating several encounters with creepy clowns in New Brunswick communities. A person dressed as a clown was seen trying to jump out in front of cars in Ripples.[113]

Newfoundland and Labrador

A complaint about a 'creepy clown' was revived by local authorities prompting an investigation in Gander, central Newfoundland.[114][115] The week of October 3rd, a clown was spotted at the end of a suburban street outside of St. John's

Nova Scotia

In early October, clowns were sighted in Halifax, Hammonds Plains and Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.[116]

Police responded to a clown sighting at Halifax West High School.[117][118] Clowns in Glace Bay have also interfered with traffic.[119]

Police in Clark's Harbour have arrested a 24-year-old man wearing a clown mask. Witnesses reported that he grabbed at the clothing of a young boy.[120]

Ontario

In early October, clowns were spotted chasing children during dismissal at Pope Francis Catholic School, an elementary school in Toronto. Police detained two 15-year-olds in connection with the incident. It is believed they are former students of the school, and they were filming their activities for a YouTube video. Police have said that the suspects did not touch the students.[121]

In addition, the Toronto Catholic District School Board spokesperson John Yan said that a group named "Clowns in the 6" have specifically named different high schools in Toronto as targets for potential clown attacks.[122]

On Thursday, October 6, 2016, Clowns made a message on Instagram saying: "We are coming to London, Ontario's high schools and surrounding areas. We are going to kidnap students and behead teachers, we're not clowning around."[123]

Quebec

On August 9, clowns were reported to have been chasing children in Gatineau, Quebec.[124]

On October 2, a video surfaced of a clown in the middle of a dirt road in Quebec, with a chainsaw that chased after a car on foot.

United Kingdom

England

The sightings appear to have spread to North East England's Newcastle upon Tyne. Police in Northumbria stated that six reports have been made about creepy clown incidents since the beginning of October. Although nobody was attacked during those incidents, some of the reports involve clowns jumping out of bushes to frighten children with other reports of clowns chasing people.[125][126] On October 4, a teenage boy in Blakelaw, Newcastle upon Tyne, was placed under arrest as a suspect in a clown-themed "prank".[127] He was allegedly in possession of a "bladed article" and is suspected to have been involved in one of these six incidents.

On October 7, a masked man with a painted face and carrying a knife, jumped out and chased two pupils, aged 11 and 12, who were on their way to Hermitage Academy in Chester-le-Street, County Durham, leaving the two pupils distressed but unhurt. Durham Constabulary said it is investigating the incident.[128]

On the night of October 7, a man in Plymouth, South West England, was confronted by a clown with a hammer while walking back home from a Tesco supermarket. The clown stood in front of the man, blocking his path and then refused to move when asked before the man chased the clown away. Devon and Cornwall Police are investigating the incident.[129]

Wales

On October 5, a boy filmed a clown scaring passing drivers in Caernarfon.[130]

On October 8, two teenage boys were chased by a clown at night near Cardiff. [citation needed]

Northern Ireland

October 6, clowns have been spotted in the capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast. While there are also reports about a school in Coleraine closed its doors for a short amount of time because of fears that people dressed as clowns were on their way to the school.[131]

Australia

On October 7, several reports of clown sightings were made in Campbelltown, New South Wales. Four images of clown sightings in the city were uploaded onto the internet, making Trump get mad, and one showed a clown being knocked to the ground. In Narellan, a clown was pictured sitting on a roadside electrical box.[132] Since October 7, there have been multiple clown sightings across major Australian cities, which include Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.[133]

At around 9.30pm on October 8, two 12-year old girls were with one of their fathers buying ice-cream until suddenly were attacked by a creepy clown in Adelaide's CBD (Central Business District), near the intersection of Pultney Street and Rundle Street. While attacking the girls, the clown tried to steal one of the girl's phone, leaving her "traumatised and shaking". [134]

New Zealand

A woman's three sons were playing basketball at Discovery School in Porirua, and one of the sons was approached by a clown. The mother called the police. A police spokesperson urged for the community to be calm.[135] A woman was attacked by two clowns in Hamilton.[136]

Mexico

On October 5, residents of Monterrey, Nuevo León made warnings on Facebook that thieves dressing as clowns were present in the area. The Facebook group's alert said that the clowns assaulted passersby, who were walking home.[137][138]

On the early morning of October 7, several news sources reported that two clowns were found dead in Ecatepec, a suburb of Mexico City, possibly due to being beaten to death by a group of people after the clowns were scaring people.[139]

The Internet

This phenomenon has spilled over into social media websites. Threats of violence against students, naming particular schools has resulted in large numbers of students not attending class as well as the lockdown, lockout, or cancellation of classes at schools around the country.

In one example, threats of violence and the same image of a clown referred to a minimum of 24 schools in Arizona's Valley's Phoenix Union and Glendale school districts.[140]

On Monday, September 26, around 1,500 of Marydale High School's students (nearly half of all students) did not attend after the first threats appeared on the Internet.[140]

On October 1, schools in Hamburg, Pennsylvania were locked down because of a clown threat on Facebook and Twitter by a group with the name "Aint Clownin Around". The message read "We will be at all High schools this friday to either kidnapp [sic] students or kill teachers going to they cars ...#WeNotClowninAround."[141]

In Philadelphia,[142] threats against students and schools have been posted at social media sites prompting the FBI and a terrorism task force to help police investigate. The exact nature of these threats has not been made public.[citation needed]

Such threats on social media have also affected two grade schools in Alabama,[143] Auburn University,[143] Fairborn High School, Columbus, Ohio,[144] some Las Vegas area schools,[145] and many more around the country.

Possible explanations

Explanations include that some clown sightings are promotional stunts for the upcoming reboot of the film It, based on Stephen King's novel of the same name, or Rob Zombie's upcoming horror film 31, which also features characters dressed in clown costumes.[146]

Author and folklorist Benjamin Radford, who wrote the non-fiction book Bad Clowns, said that the craze could be an example of the "snowball effect", where rumor and legitimate concerns mix with the human penchant for a good story.[147]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Creepy clown sightings reported in more communities in South Carolina". Fox8.com. Retrieved September 3, 2016.
  2. ^ Rogers, Katie (August 30, 2016). "Creepy Clown Sightings in South Carolina Cause a Frenzy". The New York Times. NYTimes.com. Retrieved September 3, 2016.
  3. ^ McGurty, Frank; Prentice, Chris. "Clown sightings spook South Carolina, perplex police". Yahoo!. Reuters. Retrieved September 3, 2016.
  4. ^ Harris, Chris. "South Carolina Police Chief to Creepy Clowns: 'The Clowning Around Needs to Stop'". People. People.com. Retrieved September 3, 2016.
  5. ^ Zuppello, Suzanne (2016-09-30). "'Killer Clowns': Inside the Terrifying Hoax Sweeping America". Rolling Stone. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  6. ^ Teague, Matthew (2016-10-05). "Clown sightings: the day it all began". The Guardian. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  7. ^ a b Hope Stephan (September 26, 2016 also been scene in Stockport uk). "Police look for person in clown mask after fatal stabbing". PennLive.com. Retrieved 2016-10-01. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  8. ^ a b c Morris, J.D. (October 7, 2016). ""Creepy clown" threats lead to investigations in Sonoma County". Press Democrat. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  9. ^ California school district bans clown costumes following clown scare Retrieved October 2016
  10. ^ Dwilson, Stephanie Dube (1 October 2016). "Clown Sightings List: Which States Have Reported Threatening Clowns?".
  11. ^ Bell, Kim. "As reports trickle in of creepy clown sightings, Pevely police worry about vigilantes". Retrieved 2016-10-01.
  12. ^ "Clown threats put Central Islip, North Babylon, Lindenhurst school districts on alert". Retrieved 2016-10-01.
  13. ^ a b "Serious or just a sick joke? What we know about creepy clown reports". Retrieved 2016-10-01.
  14. ^ a b Sloan, Nick and Davis, Natalie (2016-10-02). "Neighbors, police say 'creepy clown' spotted in Platte City". KCTV.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
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  16. ^ a b Rothfield, Ariel (2016-09-27). "KCKPD investigating reported clown sighting". KSHB.
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  19. ^ a b c Swanson, Conrad (2016-10-04). "Lawrence sorority put on lockdown after clown sightings, police say". Lawrence Journal World. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  20. ^ a b Havens, Emily (2016-10-04). "Clowns startle Southern Utah citizens". The Spectrum (Utah). {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  21. ^ a b Nelson, Paul (4 October 2016). "Creepy Clown Sighting Reported In Sparks". Reno: KTVN.
  22. ^ a b Morris, McKenzi (2016-10-04). "Statement released about reports of clowns on campus". Daily Toreador. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  23. ^ a b Korte, Lara (2016-10-03). "Clowns supposedly spotted in Lawrence". University Daily Kansan. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  24. ^ a b "Police Warn Creepy Clown Participants". WIBW-TV. 2016-10-02.
  25. ^ Burdziak, Alan (2016-10-04). "Mid-Missouri authorities get more clown sighting reports". Columbia Daily Tribune. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  26. ^ Aguirre, Joey and Norvell, Kim (2016-10-04). "Creepy clown sightings now in Iowa". The Des Moines Register. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  27. ^ Gruber-Miller, Stephen (2016-10-04). "University of Iowa police notify campus of clown sightings". Iowa City Press-Citizen. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  28. ^ "Teens arrested after multiple clown mask robberies". NBC4I.
  29. ^ "Bentonville police arrest scary clown". 5 October 2016.
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  34. ^ "'Creepy clowns' come to SoCal, police warn residents". FOX LA.
  35. ^ Salvo, Christina (October 5, 2016). "2 DRESSED AS CLOWNS CREEP UP ON SAN PEDRO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL WORKERS". ABC7 News.
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  37. ^ "'Creepy clown' sightings hit Orange County; two reported in Huntington Beach". OC Register. October 6, 2016.
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  40. ^ Dawidowicz, Christina (October 7, 2016). "Victim describes creepy clown attack in Colorado Springs". FOX21 News. Retrieved October 8, 2016.
  41. ^ Macy Corica (October 4, 2016). "Naugatuck police arrest 2 girls for clown social media posts". WTNH Connecticut News. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
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  43. ^ "Clown scares lock down village of Florida schools". News 12 Networks (Hudson Valley channel). October 4, 2016.
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  46. ^ "Deputies: 12-year-old arrested for clown threats to Florida..." Retrieved 2016-10-07.
  47. ^ "LaGrange Police - Timeline | Facebook". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2016-10-01.
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  51. ^ "Waukegan Police investigating after 3 clowns with knife and gun taunt children during recess". FOX32 Chicago. October 4, 2016. Retrieved October 6, 2016.
  52. ^ "Clown report was a hoax". Parsons Sun. 2016-10-03. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  53. ^ "Lurking clown arrested in Kentucky woods near apartment block as US 'creepy clown' fears spread". The Telegraph. 23 September 2016.
  54. ^ "Police investigating report of a woman attacked by man in clown mask in Winchester, Ky". WDRB 41 Louisville. 1 October 2016.
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  56. ^ Elle Ousfar. "Police to clown: 'We will handle you accordingly'". TEGNA. Retrieved 2016-10-04.
  57. ^ Joey (October 5, 2016). "Maine's Clown Hysteria Reaches New Heights; Sightings In Kennebunk, Gorham, and Standish Reported". wcyy.com.
  58. ^ "Student Charged in Md. School Threats Case". NBC Washignton. 3 October 2016.
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  61. ^ a b c "Troy Police Post Stern Message To Clowns Amid Sightings, Scares Nationwide". cbslocal.com. October 4, 2016.
  62. ^ Christina Hall (October 7, 2016). "Police: 2 'idiots' dressed as 'creepy clowns,' arrested after terrorizing teens". USA Today.
  63. ^ Bob Shaw (Oct 5, 2016). "Creepy clown phenomenon hitting Minnesota; no truth to sightings, officials say". duluthnewstribune.com. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
  64. ^ a b c May, Ashley (September 30, 2016). "What We Know About Creepy Clown Reports".
  65. ^ Manna, Nichole (October 6, 2016). "Clowns spotted in Lincoln; teen clowns arrested in Grand Island". Journal Star. Retrieved October 6, 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  66. ^ Vanessa Murdock (September 28, 2016). "New Jersey Child Says He Was Chased By Creepy Clown With Sword". CBS.
  67. ^ Suzanne Russell (October 3, 2016). "Creepy clowns spotted in Bound Brook, Spotswood". My Central Jersey.
  68. ^ Suzanne Russell (October 4, 2016). "Latest 'creepy clown' sighting no laughing matter". My Central Jersey.
  69. ^ Cope, Cheyenne (October 4, 2016). "Hobbs Police receiving calls about clown sightings". KRQE. Retrieved October 7, 2016.
  70. ^ a b "3 juveniles in Albuquerque caught with clown masks, handgun". Associated Press. October 9, 2016.
  71. ^ a b "Creepy Clown Sightings Reported In and Clifton Park and Brentwood, North Babylon". September 30, 2016. Retrieved 2016-10-01.
  72. ^ Dwyer, Kate (September 28, 2016). "Two Schools Just Went on Lockdown Because of 'Clown-Related Threats'". Teen Vogue.
  73. ^ . Time Warner Cable News. 5 October 2016 http://www.twcnews.com/nys/buffalo/news/2016/10/5/st--bonaventure-university-officials-clowns-students-attack.html. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help); Text "St. Bonaventure University Officials Urge Students to Not Attack Clowns" ignored (help)
  74. ^ "Man with machete chases after clown spotted near woods in Greensboro, North Carolina". nydailynews.com. 7 September 2016.
  75. ^ a b c d T.J. Parker; Rose-Ann Aragon; WCPO Staff (30 September 2016). "Clown attack forces several schools in Ohio to cancel Friday's classes". ABC.
  76. ^ "School district shuts down after creepy clown attack". WDAF-TV. 2016-09-30.
  77. ^ "More arrests in Ohio amid growing rash of clown-related threats". CBS news. 2 October 2016.
  78. ^ "Can you ID pipe-wielding suspects in masks who rob Speedway?". Dayton Daily News. October 4, 2016. Retrieved October 5, 2016.
  79. ^ Kelley, Jeremy P. (September 30, 2016). "Clown chaos leads to school closings, felony arrest". Dayton Daily News. Retrieved October 5, 2016.
  80. ^ ""They're going to get hurt," Moore residents confront 'creepy clowns' lurking near park". KFOR.com. 2016-10-08. Retrieved 2016-10-08.
  81. ^ "Woman says she was accosted by clown in downtown Portland". Oregon Live. September 30, 2016.
  82. ^ "Scary clown arrest made in southern Oregon". KGW. October 5, 2016.
  83. ^ "Man wearing clown mask, boxing gloves threatens assistant principal outside school". KGW. October 6, 2016.
  84. ^ "Strange clown sightings by State College YMCA". 18 September 2016.
  85. ^ "Pa. clown sightings: Police responding to another possible incident". 23 September 2016.
  86. ^ "Clown sightings reach York College". Retrieved 2016-10-01.
  87. ^ "Creepy Clown Sightings Reported in Erie". 4 October 2016.
  88. ^ http://www.psp.pa.gov/for%20media/Documents/socialmedia/CAB%20005-16.pdf. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  89. ^ "Penn State students flood downtown, campus over clowns". Centre Daily. 4 October 2016.
  90. ^ "Penn State Creepy Clowns: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know". Heavy. 4 October 2016.
  91. ^ "They argue that clown stalks residence in Guaynabo" (in Spanish). Telemundo. October 9, 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  92. ^ "'Like War of the Worlds': R.I. police grapple with 'creepy clown' hysteria". Providence Journal. 4 October 2016.
  93. ^ "Pawtucket teenager arrested, charged with clown threats against school". Providence Journal. 7 October 2016.
  94. ^ "Creepy details released in South Carolina clown sightings". Retrieved 2016-10-07.
  95. ^ ""This is serious:" Creepy clown sightings reported in second community in South Carolina". Fox 6. 1 September 2016.
  96. ^ "Creepy Clown Sightings in South Carolina Cause a Frenzy". New York Times. 30 August 2016.
  97. ^ TEGNA. "Texas State student attacked by man dressed as clown, school says". KVUE. Retrieved 2016-10-07.
  98. ^ Chan, Melissa. "Texas School District on Lockdown After 2 Clown Sightings". TIME.com. Retrieved 2016-10-07.
  99. ^ Ricke, Claire; Rangel, Leslie (October 6, 2016). "Masked clown arrested in Manor". KXAN.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  100. ^ Hanson, Kurt (2016-10-04). "One confirmed clown sighting in Provo among dozens of concerned reports". The Daily Herald (Utah). {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  101. ^ McKend, Eva (October 5, 2016). "Robocalls released after creepy clown panics students, staff at Vt. school". WCAX.
  102. ^ "Sheriff warns of possible clown sightings in county". Retrieved 2016-10-01.
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  105. ^ Caley Ramsay (6 October 2016). "Alleged 'clowning' threat places northeast Edmonton school on alert". Global News. Retrieved 7 October 2016.
  106. ^ Juris Graney (6 October 2016). "Two youths charged after 'inciting violence' against staff, students at Edmonton schools". Edmonton Sun. Retrieved 7 October 2016.
  107. ^ Emily Mertz (7 October 2016). "3rd teen charged after threat made against Edmonton school on social media". Global News. Retrieved 7 October 2016.
  108. ^ Romero, Diego (October 6, 2016). "Two 'creepy clown' sightings in Fort Saskatchewan: RCMP". CTV News Edmonton. Fort Saskatchewan: Bell Media. Retrieved October 7, 2016.
  109. ^ Mertz, Emily (October 6, 2016). "Young man in clown mask identifies himself to Fort Saskatchewan RCMP". Corus Entertainment Inc. Global News Edmonton. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help)
  110. ^ Mathew Silver (5 October 2016). "Calgary group ready to defend city from killer clowns". metronews.ca. Retrieved 6 October 2016.
  111. ^ "Creepy clowns: Social-media fuelled scare makes its way to B.C." vancouversun.com. 6 October 2016.
  112. ^ Purdy, Brett (October 6, 2016). "Winnipeg clown says creepy clowns giving clowns a bad name". CBC/Radio-Canada. CBC News Manitoba. Retrieved October 7, 2016.
  113. ^ Laverne Stewarts (6 October 2016). "Update: Police investigating several creepy clown encounters in New Brunswick". Telegraph-Journal. Retrieved 6 October 2016. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |subscription= ignored (|url-access= suggested) (help)
  114. ^ "Police called to 'creepy clown' complaint in central Newfoundland". Newfoundland Broadcasting Company, Ltd. NTV. October 5, 2016. Retrieved October 7, 2016.
  115. ^ "Beni Malone Fights Back Against 'Creepy Clown' Hysteria". Newcap Radio. VOCM (AM). October 6, 2016. Retrieved October 7, 2016.
  116. ^ Nicole Gnazdowsky (4 October 2016). "Stop clowning around: Halifax police say creepy clown sightings not 'wise thing to do'". metronews.ca. Retrieved 4 October 2016.
  117. ^ "Photo on Instagram showing clown outside Halifax high school draws police investigation". National Post. 4 October 2016. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
  118. ^ "Police respond to clown report at Halifax West High School". The Chronicle Herald. 4 October 2016. Retrieved 4 October 2016.
  119. ^ Jeff Lagerquist (1 October 2016). "'A nightmare coming true': Gangs of clowns terrorize N.S. drivers". CTVNews. Retrieved 4 October 2016.
  120. ^ "Man wearing creepy clown mask arrested in southwestern Nova Scotia". Global News. 6 October 2016. Retrieved 6 October 2016.
  121. ^ Chris Fox (5 October 2016). "Teen in clown costume chases students at west-end school: police". cp24.com. Retrieved 6 October 2016.
  122. ^ Courtney Greenberg (5 October 2016). "Group of clowns threaten, taunt TCDSB students". ctvnews.ca. Retrieved 6 October 2016.
  123. ^ nurun.com. "Clown threat sent to London high school students". lfpress.com.
  124. ^ Haley Ritchie (10 August 2016). "Police investigating after creepy clowns chase kids in Gatineau". metronews.ca. Retrieved 4 October 2016.
  125. ^ Porter, Tom (4 October 2016). "Clownageddon comes to the UK as Newcastle schoolchildren targeted by 'creepy clown' attacks". ibtimes.co.uk. Retrieved 6 October 2016.
  126. ^ Graham, Hannah (4 October 2016). "Children 'distressed' by 'pranksters' in clown costumes". chroniclelive.co.uk. Retrieved 6 October 2016.
  127. ^ Graham, Hannah (4 October 2016). "Clown prank: teenager arrested for allegedly carrying a "bladed article"". chroniclelive.co.uk. Retrieved 6 October 2016.
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  129. ^ Shaw, Neil (October 8, 2016). "Creepy clown armed with hammer confronts man - then gets chased down street with beer bottle". Mirror.co.uk.
  130. ^ Jones, Dion (October 6, 2016). "Terrified boy films creepy clown spooking drivers near children's play centre in quiet Welsh town". Mirror.co.uk.
  131. ^ "'Killer clown' warning as craze hits Northern Ireland". BBC. 7 October 2016.
  132. ^ Duggan, Adam (October 7, 2016). "Menacing clown sightings reported in Australia". 9 News. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  133. ^ "Clown 'purge' craze: Scary clown craze spreads to Australia, police warn it's no joke". dailytelegraph.com.au. October 7, 2016.
  134. ^ http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/creepy-clown-terrorises-two-12yearold-girls-in-adelaides-cbd/news-story/54185eba7682d55a5259a9f10241c88d
  135. ^ "Police urge calm as Porirua clown sighting spreads panic". Dominion Post. October 5, 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  136. ^ 'Clown' attackers assault woman walking home in Hamilton
  137. ^ "Alertan sobre "payasos" delincuentes en Monterrey" (in Spanish). Hoy. October 5, 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help); Unknown parameter |trans_title= ignored (|trans-title= suggested) (help)
  138. ^ "Warn of 'clowns assailants' in Monterrey" (in Spanish). Agencies. October 5, 2016. Retrieved October 6, 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  139. ^ "Clowns kill two frightened women and children in Ecatepec". Posta. October 7, 2016. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  140. ^ a b "Thousands of students skip class after clown threats". ABC News. 28 September 2016.
  141. ^ Michael Yoder (1 October 2016). "Hamburg schools were on lockdown due to clown threat". Reading Eagle.
  142. ^ Jeannette Reyes (3 October 2016). "PHILADELPHIA POLICE: GIRL,13, MADE 'CLOWN THREATS' TOWARD SCHOOLS". 6 ABC.
  143. ^ a b Aleister (September 21, 2016). "Police Called to Auburn University Over Clown Sightings". Legalinsurrection.com. Retrieved 2016-10-04.
  144. ^ "More arrests in Ohio amid growing rash of clown-related threats". CBS News. October 2, 2016. Retrieved 2016-10-04.
  145. ^ "Rumored Clown Threats Rile Some Las Vegas Students | KXNT 840 AM". CBS Las Vegas. Retrieved 2016-10-04.
  146. ^ Ben Guarino (September 7, 2016). "Clown sightings have spread to North Carolina. Now police are concerned about creepy copycats". washingtonpost.com. Retrieved 6 October 2016.
  147. ^ AJ Willingham (5 October 2016). "What's with all the clowns everywhere? 6 legit possibilities". cnn.com. Retrieved 6 October 2016.
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