Clown Attacks In California?
Alleged clown “attacks” are on the rise in the United States. There have been repeated “sightings” and threats all around the country. It was rumored to have started in the the forests of North Carolina and South Carolina where a clown attempted to lure children into the forest with candy and money. The “attacks” have now spread out across the United States. Some of the most recent “attacks” and threats have included New York, Wisconsin, South Carolina and California. Threats have been posted on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Most people with access to the internet are aware of the “Creepy Clown Phenomenon ”.We decided to investigate how these pranksters or “demons” have affected our school and city. As journalists we do not have any previous opinion on this topic.
Threats and Violence
While there were very real threats made against Bay Area schools on social media, no actual violence has yet happened. In an isolated incident, a Concord mother was attacked by a man wearing a clown costume, who attempted to kidnap her infant son. Police and even the Federal Bureau of Investigation are currently looking into the matter. Recently, pictures were posted on social media, showing figures in clown costumes and masks posing in front of the Clayton Valley Charter High School, with the captions “hello Clayton valley charter high school” and “We’re are here”. Police were called, and the High School issued a note stating that “We have contacted Concord police department and they are responding immediately to come to the school to investigate. Please know all students are safe.” Despite these precautions, no actual direct threats were made, and the worst thing about these two creepy clown copycats (for the time being) is their horrible grammar.
The Internet’s Role
The internet has made up a lot of conspiracies about the subject like instagram accounts designed to create fear. But some of the accounts are taking pictures of “sightings” around the country. Some of instagram accounts made have been @clownupdatess and @clownsightingz. There is no way to verify whether or not these “sightings” are real. Some accounts like @hoodclips and @daquan have posted satirical videos featuring clowns dancing to popular hip-hop songs. You could say the internet has turned a molehill into a mountain when it comes to “creepy clowns”.
How It Affects WCI
Our survey shows that the majority of students are aware of the attacks and most are concerned for their safety. Rumors of clowns on the trail near the gum tree and clowns at the front of the school have been spreading. This gossip has taken up a lot of class time in the past week and poses as a large distraction to students. The clowns do not directly affect our school considering no attacks or threats have been made. Until a real threat is made there is no cause for concern. The administration wishes to continue business as normal.
We surveyed our class of 32 students and asked them a few questions about this topic. Here they are (We can not verify any claims made by such students) :
Are you aware of the recent news surrounding “attacking” or “killer” clowns?
18 students said yes to this question
Are you concerned about the clowns? For your safety?
6 students said yes to this question
Do you think reports have been inflated?
16 students said yes to this question
Is there some truth to the claims?
12 students said yes to this question
Do you think they will visit our school?
8 students said yes to this question
Have you seen one yourself?
1 student said yes to this question
Public Safety
If by chance you do see a clown of any kind please walk away. Most “clown sightings” depict a person dressed as a clown standing still at an intersection or street corner. If you see something similar to this do not instigate. Calmly walk away, don't give them attention via photo or video, and if you see them physically or verbally harassing anybody call the police immediately. Do not harm or assault a clown unless necessary for self defense. Please do not go “clown hunting” walking around at night is never a good idea, clowns or not you are asking for trouble. It is highly unlikely that you will come across a situation like this but use this info if you do.
Our consensus
We have come to the conclusion that there is no real cause for concern. Threats have yet to be verified and the internet seems to have inflated the issue. There have been a handful of real incidents, only one local, and resulted in no injury. Threats have yet to be made to WCI. We do not completely rule out the possibility that a threat or an attack could be made toward our school but it looks highly unlikely. Don’t let these rumors impede on how you live your life in any way. Most of these clowns are copycats and if you see a suspicious clown, do not approach or assault it, simply walk away and file a police report with the WCPD or COCO police dept. Stay safe, and remember that clowns aren’t criminals.
Updates:
***Vice Principal Mr.Miller has declined to comment on the subject***