ICYMI: Arlington Officials Issue Statements on Clown Threats

ARLINGTON, MA — Threats of armed people dressed as clowns and rumors of clowns doing harm to people have circulated social media like wildfire in recent weeks, and police departments nationwide have been taking notice.

The Arlington Police Department and Arlington Public Schools issued a statement Thursday night, indicating that there is no specific threat to Arlington. The statement further indicated that a nationwide threat was made over Twitter targeting schools by a clown-related group earlier this month.

The police department will be actively monitoring any suspicious related activity in and around the schools, according to the statement.

"As Halloween approaches, we encourage adults and children alike to be conscious of their costume choices this year," Arlington Police Chief Frederick Ryan said. "We encourage any parent or student to report suspicious behavior involving costumed adults immediately and not engage contact with the person."

School resource officer Stephen Porciello Jr. will maintain a presence at all schools in the district, read the statement.

"The safety of our students, staff, and parents are our biggest priority," Superintendent Kathleen Bodie said. "While no specific threat has targeted the Arlington community, we are actively working with the Arlington Police Department to ensure our campuses are protected."

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