Some Pa. Schools Ban Clown Costumes Following Threats
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- In the wake of multiple "scary clown threats" on social media, several Pennsylvania school districts have decided to ban clown costumes from their Halloween festivities.
Souderton Area School District issued a statement on their website banning clown costumes and "any symbols of terror" during the Halloween season. They are asking parents to assist in ensuring students refrain from wearing the costumes.
Superintendent Frank Gallagher said there is no indication of a threat at this point.
Similar bans have been put in place in the Bensalem School District. Cecelia Snyder Middle School's website reads "No clown masks" allowed for their Halloween Dance on October 27.
There was increased police activity earlier this month regarding clown threats made mentioning Bensalem's Shafer and Snyder middle schools. The Bucks County DA's Office approved charges of terroristic threats and harassment for the social media threats after police found a 12-year-old to be responsible for the posts on social media.
These threats seem to be boosting clown costume sales at Halloween stores. One retailer is reporting their online sales for clown costumes are up 239 percent from 2015.