Maricopa latest target of ‘scary clown’ threats

Social media accounts in Maricopa picked up a trend that has run across the country, threatening violence by vindictive clowns.

The scary clowns (or clown apocalypse) spread threats through posts on Twitter and Facebook. Tuesday, at least two accounts – Maricopa Clowns and Clowns of Maricopa – popped up with the same threat: “Sorry Maricopa, But Friday Oct 7th, we are coming to your town. Say goodbye to your friends and family. Good luck.”

Some follow-up posts targeted specific people and areas of town.

By late Wednesday, the accounts were taken down.

Maricopa Police Department spokesman Ricardo Alvarado said MPD investigates the social media posts just like it does harassment calls.

MPD official statement reads in part: “The Maricopa Police Department has been aggressively working to obtain information on those responsible. We encourage parents to be aware of their children’s activity on electronic devices. What may seem like a funny post, email, text or Snapchat associated with the Maricopa Clowns, can cause fear and concern and exhaust resources attempting to determine the viability of this threat.”

Maricopa Unified School District also posted an official statement today regarding the situation: “The District and school leadership are working closely with Maricopa Police in their investigation. No District school or facility has been mentioned in the social media posts. We are asking parents, staff and students as always to be vigilant to any perceived threat and to report any suspicious activity to the Maricopa Police Department (Emergency 911 or Non-Emergency 520-568-3673).”

Similar threats have been made at other school districts in Arizona and in 10 other states. Some have been followed up with pranks that led to arrests, mostly juveniles.

“We will continue to investigate any threats made under the guise of this particular clown movement and insure those responsible are brought to justice,” MPD stated.