Creepy Clowns: 5 Things To Know

After numerous creepy clown sightings and a lot of illegal activity, it's no secret this creepy, killer clown phenomenon has swept the country. They are all over the U.S. not and NOT just in a few select cities. But with all the media coverage, there haven't been a lot of questions answered, just more being asked!

So here are the things you need to know about these creepy, killer clowns making their way across the country...

1. How did this craze get started?

It all started in rural South Carolina during mid-August; there were reports of creepy clown sightings all over. After first it started off very minimal, however after continuous sightings and calls, the police finally decided to investigate.

The sighting reports would include things such as clowns interacting with the kids, offering them money to follow them into the woods, other clowns kept their distance, just staring at passerby's. The craze has since spread all over into New York, Pennsylvania, Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, Kentucky, New Jersey and others.

2. Are the clowns actually doing anything illegal?

While the reports started off minor, they slowly gained intensity as they spread across the US. Clowns began coming out of the woods and chasing children, some carry weapons such as swords, even once a truck was seen driving around with multiple clowns hanging out of the windows.

Some people have been arrested in relation to the clown threats, but not for physically harming anyone. Others have been arrested for making false reports of seeing clowns, and a handful have been charged after making threats/comments on social media because "it was funny." According to police unfortunately, wearing a clown mask is not illegal.

3. Are threats being made locally?

Yes threats are being made locally; most are believed to be practical jokes or even just a hoax. The Binghamton police recently released a statement regarding the 'creepy clown' incidents in which they said, "While some of these reports are confirmed, most are believed to be a hoax. The number of reported clown sightings and social media discussion appears to be gaining popularity as a practical joke. With Halloween approaching, it is likely this trend will continue through October."

4. Is social media making it worse?

Social media has completely change this world, sometimes for the better, sometimes not so much. This is a situation where social media has fueled the fire and continued the insanity around the killer clowns. Whether these 'creepy clowns' did start off to lure children, take them, etc. now it has just become a bunch of people who see a fad/idea and a chance to be nuts and go for it.

What I believe is that the creepy clowns out there now are not going to hurt us, but Facebook and other social media sites have portrayed that they kill, harm children and should be avoided.

5. How are police and schools are handling this?

Both police and schools have taken a very similar stance on the incident; take precautions but believe it is a hoax. As read above, police have issued statements saying this is a hoax and it's not life threatening but that's a little easier said than done!

Even yesterday the principal of Binghamton High School released a statement to students and parents they this 'creepy clown' situation was nothing but a hoax. Roxie Oberg, Binghamton H.S. principal, pointed out that a lot of news media reports have indicated most “creepy clown” reports have been false. The principal said the situation presents an opportunity for parents and guardians of children to discuss internet safety and misinformation.

Hopefully this phenomenon, like a lot of other fads, just sort of fades away and doesn't cause any real harm to anyone. I do hope this helped clear up some questions or confusion you may have had!!

[VIA: NJ.com ]