Students throughout Maryland have reported clown-related threats received on social media.
Harford County Public Schools alerted parents Friday that some students were threatened on SnapChat.
School administrators said they are investigating the incident and police have been notified. "While we have determined that the threat was not valid and there is no supporting evidence that the threat was credible, we must take every threat seriously," spokesperson Jillian V. Lader said in a news release.
In Talbot County, Easton Police responded to a clown sighting report Thursday just before 8:30 p.m. Police said two boys were seen walking through the neighborhood in clown costumes, yet no one was located after a search.
An hour later, police received complaints about an Instagram message being circulated that threatened the safety of students and teachers on Friday. After investigating, officers determined that the message originated in Georgia, and had been sent to people in other states.
Police said there’s no current threat to schools or to students. Officers will make frequent patrol checks at area schools.
In Easton, no one over the age of 12 is allowed to appear on public roads, streets or property wearing a mask or disguise that conceals their identity. Those in violation face a $100.00 fine and/or 30 days of imprisonment.
Lader said Harford County school officials are aware of the threats made on the Eastern Shore and urge parents to talk to their children about "the seriousness and resulting consequences of making threats of any kind, in a joking manner or otherwise."
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