Wilmington Middle School Principal says There is 'No Validity' to Clown Rumors in Town

WILMINGTON, MA — Rumors of people dressed as clowns making threats to do harm have taken the country by storm, surfacing in many communities across America.

On Monday, Wilmington Middle School principal Amy Gerade issued a statement in response to concerns from students of the influx in clown-related rumors, hoaxes and news stories. Clown-related rumors have even sparked police responses across the country, and even caused Merrimack College to shelter in place last week.

The fires fueling these clown-related rumors have been stoked on social media.

Gerade mentioned in her statement that police have assured that there is no validity to the rumors, and urged parents to closely monitor student use of social media.

It has come to my attention that some of our students are concerned with the current flood of hoaxes, rumors, and reports in the media regarding groups of people dressed as clowns luring children into the woods or making threats to do harm. I have made our school resource officer aware of the students concerns. Please note that the Wilmington Police have assured the administration, faculty and support staff that there is no validity to any of these rumors impacting our school community and the community at large. We ask that parents / guardians closely monitor student use of social media sites in relation to this topic. Wilmington Middle School students are welcomed to check-in in with their teachers, guidance counselors and staff if they have any questions regarding this issue. Thank you for your ongoing support and have a great afternoon.