Killer Clowns: Number Of Sightings Increase Amid ‘Purge Night’ Rumors

The “killer clown” craze, which began in late August, has escalated in recent weeks. Although few, if any, people were seriously harmed by the so-called killer clowns, the number of sightings has continually increased throughout the United States and the United Kingdom. Rumors about a “Purge Night” on October 30 have only added fuel to the fire.

As reported by Heavy.com, the killer clown craze originated in Greenville, South Carolina. On August 29, children began reporting people dressed like circus clowns were attempting to lure them into the woods.

Local authorities said they did not find “any information or evidence to corroborate” the reports. However, parents were reminded to keep a close eye on their children and to report any suspicious activity.

Three days later, a 14-year-old Cleveland, Ohio, boy was allegedly chased by someone wearing a clown mask and holding a knife. Although there was no evidence proving the incident occurred, authorities said they were “taking it seriously.”

Over the last two months, children throughout the United States have reported seeing, or being attacked by, so-called killer clowns. The number of reports has only increased with the approach of Halloween.

Although many of the encounters were determined to be unfounded, dozens of people have been arrested for committing crimes, including making threats and inducing panic, while dressed as clowns.

In the United States, killer clowns incidents have been reported in 40 states, including Alabama, California, Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, and New Mexico. However, the craze has also spread to the United Kingdom.

According to the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, the UK Childline has received an estimated 120 calls from children who were frightened by so-called killer clowns. The number is a specific concern, as 25 percent of the reports were made by children under the age of 11.

As reported by Huffington Post, a majority of the calls came from children in Birmingham, Manchester, and Nottingham. However, the problem is becoming more widespread.

Rumors about a killer clown “purge night” have only increased panic.

Aussie Network News reports several clown hunter groups have issued warnings via social media outlets, including Facebook. According to one of the warnings, killer clowns are planning to attack adults, children, and pets throughout the United States on October 30.

‘Killer clown hunting’ event with cash prizes to be held on Halloween https://t.co/CW7FLr3oVT pic.twitter.com/xo8m70FEPW

— The Independent (@Independent) October 20, 2016

As stated in the warning, the clown hunters are asking everyone to “stay inside, keep all pets inside, and keep all doors and windows locked.”

According to EarnTheNecklace.com, the killer clown purge night rumors were most likely inspired by the film The Purge, which is about a “future reality where they are allowed to indulge in any type of crime for 12 hours on one night, each year.”

Authorities in numerous jurisdictions have dispelled the rumors. However, the warnings are being shared by thousands of social media users.

In addition to raising alarm, the warnings have prompted self-proclaimed clown hunters to make threats against anyone attempting to commit crimes or frighten people while dressed as a clown.

Amid the current craze, nobody was actually killed by so-called killer clowns. But, the number of reports has not shown any signs of slowing.

Man arrested over “killer clown” dress-up incident at #Brunel University (file photo) https://t.co/Q86Fphrzev pic.twitter.com/ofs2kB2gzr

— London Updates (@LondonUpdates) October 14, 2016

Perhaps the worst tragedy to come out of the killer clown craze is the negative impact it has made on professional clowns. As reported by Wall Street Journal, professional clowns have lost an alarming amount business amid the chaos.

Instead of making people smile, many professional clowns are being approached with fear and misunderstanding.

University of Virginia lecturer Tim Cunningham volunteers as a clown for Clowns Without Borders. Although the organization was founded to bring smiles to the faces of underprivileged children, the clowns are now worried about frightening them.

According to Cunningham, “the fake clowns are winning right now.”

Although it is unclear how many people were actually harmed by killer clowns, the number of reports will likely increase with Halloween just around the corner.

[Featured Image By Sergey Shubin/Shutterstock]