Creepy clown sightings and threats have now spread to New York and New Jersey prompting some schools to shelter in place and have lockdowns as the threats were investigated.
A shelter in place was ordered at Phillipsburg Middle School in New Jersey on Friday and districts across the state are responding to concern from parents, reports NJ1015.com.
Phillipsburg Mayor Stephen Ellis said a construction worker reported seeing a post on social media that a clown was going to the school with a gun, according to LehighValleyLive.com. The police investigated the threat and eventually ruled it not credible after the shelter-in-place order.
There have been four incidents in Phillipsburg with creepy clowns since Sunday and no one has been reportedly hurt. One incident involved a child who was chased by three people who jumped out of the woods dressed as clowns Sunday night at a park, reports ABC-7NY.
Long Island police also issued warnings on Friday after multiple calls about creepy clown sightings and threats made on social media.
North Babylon High School was placed on “lock out” Friday when school officials were made aware that it was one of the schools “included in a string of clown-related social media threats made by an unknown person or persons.” Police determined the campus was safe and the lock out was lifted this morning, according to ABC-7NY.
In Lidenhurst, Long Island, the superintendent of schools posted a notice on Friday on the school’s website that they also were made aware of a tweet threatening that Lindenhurst schools would be the next targeted by the clowns.
“As the community may be aware, there have been several reports of creepy clown sightings in areas surrounding the Lindenhurst community with the intent to frighten those passing by. Earlier this morning, district officials were made aware of a Tweet threatening that Lindenhurst would be the next area targeted by the clowns,” Superintendent Daniel Giordano posted on the school website.
“Please be assured that we have contacted Suffolk County Police, who have been made aware of the situation. Out of an abundance of caution, we will be keeping elementary school children in during recess today and our security team is on high alert. Please report any suspicious sightings to Suffolk County Police. We appreciate your attention and will continue to keep you updated with any additional information,” Giordano wrote.