The figure of an evil clown has inspired many acclaimed characters from Pennywise (It) all the way to Twisty (American Horror Story). Many of America's worst fears are coming true as multiple stories are popping up over six states of evil clowns roaming the neighborhoods. Carrying machetes and attempting to lure children into vans, these clowns are spreading across the country.
It all began in Greenville, S.C., at an apartment complex located next to a large forested area. On August twenty-first, a police deputy investigated reports of a clown trying to lure children into the woods. A resident at the apartments told the officer that one of her sons had seen clowns flashing green lights while her other son had heard pounding on the door and the sound of chains clanking. Other children in the complex told him that clowns had tried to tempt them with money. One woman stated that she had seen a clown with a blinking nose near one of the dumpsters at 2:30 a.m. waving back at her. Later on that week, multiple other reports of clowns terrorizing neighborhoods began popping up in other states as well. In Columbus, Ohio a 14-year-old boy reported a man wearing a clown mask had chased him with a knife while walking to the bus stop that morning. Less than a week later on September 5, a woman had claimed that a clown tried to lure her into the woods, this one carrying a machete.
Recently multiple clown threats have been made regarding abducting children from specific schools in Lagrange, Ga as well. Lt. Dale Strickland stated that someone had made a Facebook post threatening to dress like a clown and drive a white van to Callaway Elementary, Franklin Forrest Elementary, Callaway Middle School, Troup High School, and Callaway High School in order to abduct children. On September twelfth, the Lagrange Police Department made a statement saying that "This behavior is not cute or funny. Understand that if officers see this behavior, you’re going to have a conversation with them. And, if applicable, you may face criminal charges." Most of the reports around the country tend to be the same: creepy clowns trying to lure children into their vans or into a forest, clowns waiting near schools in order to abduct children, clowns carrying knives or other murderous weapons, etc. But it is important to keep in mind that there have not been any actual reports of children being kidnapped or harmed by these so called "murderous clowns".
The main question that many American's are asking is "should we be worried once it gets closer to the time of Halloween?" Many police stations are stating that you shouldn't be worried. Children are bound to run away from the sighting of clowns rather than run to them in the first place, so just keep watch of your children and warn them of the dangers that can come along with talking to strangers.
