Authorities concerned over online clown threats
Concerns about creepy clown sightings have continued to plague the area, escalating in some areas to social media threats against school districts, including Exeter.
With the exception of the Limerick Township Police Department, who stated last week they received its first report of a clown sighting, many area authorities said that no reports of the creepy clowns had reached them so far.
Berks County authorities, however, have now issued statements concerning the sightings, stating that they have received reports of clown-related threats against area schools posted on social media.
“The Berks County District Attorney’s Detective Unit is currently investigating clownrelated threats toward four Berks County School Districts (Governor Mifflin, Wilson, Reading and Twin Valley school districts). These threats were posted this morning on social media and were hostile in nature. The school districts and local police departments are aware of the situation and are carefully monitoring the situation,” according to an Oct. 4 press release from the Berks County District Attorney’s Office.
A fifth school district — Exeter — was added to the list of clown-related threats the following day.
Authorities said they are attempting to identify the origin and validity of the threats but currently have no information tying the threats to any credible source. Detectives are continuing to work with school districts during the investigation and are asking anyone with information that could assist in the investigation contact the Berks County Detective Unit at 610-478-7171.
The release followed another notice that was posted by Pennsylvania State Police on Facebook Tuesday saying that a number of social media posts displaying threats to Pennsylvania schools have been seen over the weekend. Police stated that the threats were attributed to a “clown joke” possibly connected to various clown sightings. They added that these sightings have not been substantiated and there are no known threats to schools in Pennsylvania.
“Many of these reported clown sightings have little to no evidence establishing their legitimacy, but it is fueling a clown panic throughout the country,” read the notice from Pennsylvania State Police. “Over the past two weeks at least 12 people were arrested in Georgia, Alabama and Virginia for making false reports of clown threats or chasing people while costumed.”
The frenzy over clowns even prompted a mob of about 500 Pennsylvania State University students to participate in a clown hunt after a rumor of a clown sighting spread throughout campus, according to reports by Time. Video of the hunt shows hoards of students running and shouting through campus. Police said no injuries or damages were reported.
Berks County authorities are encouraging residents to report suspicious activity by contacting state police via the terrorism tip line at 888-292-1919 or via email at tips@pa.gov.