‘Killer Clowns’ Sightings Continue — Videos Emerge Of Eerie Clowns Across The U.S.
“Killer clown” sightings have now swept across the nation, with people reporting seeing everything from fun-looking to evil-looking clowns on playgrounds, along tree lines, in the woods, walking through residential areas, even in schools and shopping centers. Many of these sightings have been unfounded by police, which does not mean they didn’t occur, just that the police could not verify them. The name “killer clowns” is a misnomer as the clowns have not been known to kill anyone and no unsolved murders have yet been linked to clowns. Just the same, many people in the country are in a frenzy over the sightings, and some of it is because there are people with a legitimate phobia of clowns.
According to Fox News, a clown was seen standing silently beside a thoroughfare in the dark, and a passerby was able to film the strange situation. The video went viral on Facebook, generating over a million views. The following clown sighting video in Mercer, Pennsylvania, is provided by YouTube.
A father in Augusta, Virginia, was out fishing with his children when he spotted a clown in an area with no circus. The 9 p.m. sighting sent many local residents into an uproar, according to a police report.
“…was approached by two separate vehicles leaving the area at a high rate of speed. Both vehicles stopped to warn him that several people in the adjacent woodland area were dressed up as clowns. According to the caller, the people leaving the area were pretty upset over the clown sightings.”
In Henrico County, Virginia, a mother and daughter got video of strange looking clowns riding in a car and stopped beside them at an intersection. Many people are unsure what to do when they see a person dressed as a clown. In many jurisdictions, such as in Martinsburg, West Virginia, it is actually illegal to wear a mask unless it is part of a costume, but that can be construed in many ways. Some people may wish to dress in costume every day, which makes the legal status of their attire uncertain. In general, police have been handling the clown sightings as “menace to society” type situations, with arrests being made if the clowns are captured and were found to be purposefully terrorizing people. In most cases, however, police calls about clowns are unfounded and may be simply rumors that get started and misconstrued on social media like Facebook and Twitter. The following video from Henrico, Virginia, has caused a stir on YouTube.
One Facebook user remarked that he thought people being arrested for wearing clown costumes is “fascist.”
“People should be able to dress how they want to if they are harming nobody. Anything else is dangerously close to fascism.”
However, many police do not agree, saying that the clown sightings are inflicting terror and unrest and generally disturbing the peace. Ken Miller, police chief in Greenville, South Carolina, is serious in his warnings about clown terror, according to CNN Wire.
“The clowning around needs to stop. We do know it’s striking fear among members of our public. We will charge you. We really don’t want to, but we will.”
According to CNN Wire, so many clown sightings have been reported that individual communities and housing complexes in Greenville have decided to address them with area residents. The management of Fleetwood Manor Apartments received so many reports of children attempting to be lured into the woods by clowns that they decided to pen a letter to all residents.
“To The Residents of Fleetwood Manor
“There has [sic] been several conversation [sic] and a lot of complaints to the office regarding a clown or a person dressed in clown clothing taking children or trying to lure children in the woods. First and foremost at Fleetwood Manor Apartments childrens [sic] safety is a top priority. At no time should a child be alone at night, or walking in the roads or wooded areas at night. Also if a person or persons are seen you are to immediately call the police. Greenville County Police Department is aware of the situation and have been riding [sic] the property daily. Remember there is a 10pm curfew for the property so to ensure your childrens [sic] safety please keep them in the house during night hours and make sure at ALL times children are supervised. Anymore information that becomes regarding this issue will be sent out to all residents.
“Thank you,
“Property Manager”
Notices like this are popping up all over the country and police are taking strong stands against clown terror. What are your thoughts about the newest clown situation? Are you concerned or do you think it is harmless mischief?
[Featured Image via Getty Images]
