Clowns are popping up everywhere these days and are no longer isolated within the presidential campaign. Sightings have been reported in two dozen states since the initial occurrence which took place in South Carolina at the end of August. As of now, it is unclear what the motive or the objective of these clowns may be. What is clear is that a lot of people are insanely freaked out by the whole thing. There has not been anyone hurt or brutally murdered by these clowns. However, a number of the clowns have been arrested such as the seven people in Alabama that are being brought up on felony charges for making a terrorist threat. “Clown-related activity” is now a term according to Rainbow City Police Chief Jonathon Horton. Really, clowns are getting arrested in Rainbow City. What is the world coming to?

Ironically, it appears the clowns are in more danger of being attacked by scared citizens than vice versa. A mass clown hunt was underway this week around Pennsylvania State University and a school district in Connecticut has outlawed clown costumes. Expect fewer children to be dressing up like clowns for the annual collect candy from your neighbors event on October 31^st.

Why has this caused a nationwide freak-out? Considering that there have been no casualties or serious injuries and the majority of the “clowns” are teenage pranksters, it is surprising that clown hunts are being organized and costumes are being banned during the month of October. I’m not saying we need to fight to have clown bathrooms put in at Target, but I really do not see the big deal if someone wants to dress up like a clown and hang out in the woods. It’s not the attire I would go camping in, but to each their own.

The rumors are flying in, ranging from publicity for the re-launch of Stephen King’s IT to theories that suggest these clowns are preparing for a Halloween event similar to what takes place in the film “The Purge” in which “Any and all crime, including murder, will be legal for 12 hour.” Both of these theories are unlikely however. A re-launch of “It” would not require additional publicity and scaring people around the country to the point of organized clown hunts would make it exceedingly difficulty to pull off any large scale criminal activity involving a group of people dressed as clowns.

The unfortunate part is that dressing as a crazy clown to pull off pranks is not even an original idea. There have been videos floating around YouTube for some time now. You can watch a sample here. Then, relax about the clown pranksters and hold out for the real circus that will take place on Inauguration Day.