School Security Increased In Baltimore Amid Scary Clown Facebook Threats
BALTIMORE (WJZ)--Baltimore City School officials say they are increasing security measures on Monday in response to multiple clown threats being made against schools and the community on the internet.
On Facebook the account" Killerclown Amber"--just one of many accounts being created-- posted threats about bringing a gun to Frederick Douglass High School and the Mondawmin Mall.
The threats are just some of the many happening across the country, including in Philadelphia and Virginia.
Police in Philadelphia say a 13-year-old girl has been implicated in what they're calling "scary clown threats" on social media, and she told them the posts were a prank.
The threats in Philadelphia event promoted a response by Homeland Security calling the posts "disturbing social media posts."
In Virginia, police say a 13-year-old Hampton girl asked a person posing as a clown on social media to kill one of her teachers.
The girl has been arrested and charged with one count of threatening to kill by electronic message.
Baltimore City Schools say there's no reason to believe these threats are credible, but they are investigating:
"Threats to cause harm to students at some of our middle/high and high schools were posted over the weekend to social media. School and city police regularly monitor social media, and investigation into these threats began immediately," said a spokesperson fro City Schools. "At this time, there is no reason to believe that the threats are genuine but the district is responding by ensuring extra safety and security measures are in place. We have employed additional school police to numerous schools around the district today. It is my understanding that Baltimore Police are also taking extra precautionary measures."
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