It started as just a sighting.
In August, a clown was reportedly seen luring children into the woods in Greenville County, S.C. Since that first clown sighting, over a dozen more have followed suit in 29 different states, instilling fear in communities across the country.
Most recently, students in Montgomery, Ohio were charged with “inciting panic connected to clowns” when using an online clown persona to threaten students on Oct. 2, according to Metro News.
In addition, a 13-year-old girl in Virginia was arrested the same weekend after asking a clown on social media to kill her teacher.
In 2014, a similar clown problem terrorized Bakersfield resident when several clowns were spotted in the streets.
This week, rumors of a clown appearance at Carlmont circulated around the student body as an Instagram account allegedly claimed to be a perpetrator on their way to the high schools in the Sequoia Union High School District.
To some students, the rumor is a joke. However, others are afraid of the alleged threat.
“At first I thought it was funny but, after seeing coverage on CNN regarding the clowns, I think it’s a real threat to the Carlmont community’s safety,” said junior Sehar Masud.
Carlmont administration is aware of the threat and is responding according to protocol.
“We are aware of the rumors going around the school, and we are treating it just like any other intruder situation,” said principal Ralph Crame.
With the rumor spreading quickly, Crame and School Resource Officer Eric Gonzales prepare for an emergency.
“We are preparing to follow the protocol set in our Big Five Emergency Plan, as well as working with the Belmont Police Department to monitor the exterior of the school. We’re in contact with other schools and are keeping an eye on the news for updates as this is a fairly new situation,” said Crame.
While residents are on the look-out for clowns, clowns are on the look-out for residents, fearing for their safety and futures.
“At the end of the day, people look at me like I’m a clown trying to hurt them. I feel that people are out clown hunting because they think it’s cool now. I’m scared that someone might take a swing,” said professional clown Jordan Jones in an interview with Time Magazine.
Although it is possible the alleged threat is a joke, it is advised to be on the look-out for any suspicious clown activity, as it could be potentially threatening.
