Not everyone is scared of clowns but it can leave some people truly shaking in their boots. Recently, across America, there have been many sightings of people dressed in clown costumes scaring people and even running after them in a possible attempt to harm them. Some clowns are posing by wooded areas with signs saying “free hugs” while holding balloons. Other reports state that clowns are looming in the back yards of people’s houses and even walking down the streets running after people.

Durant, Oklahoma has been victim to the plague of the clowns with sightings by the college and even Avalon apartments. The Durant police department issued a warning to anyone trying to dress as a clown saying that they could be subject to fines and even jail time. “Although oftentimes accomplished as a prank and seemingly just have FUN, concealing your identity is dangerous and IS a criminal act in all but few circumstances”, said David Houser, Durant Police Chief.

Pennsylvania police are investigating a stabbing death related to a clown. Christian Torres, a 16 year old tenth grader, was stabbed to death by a clown that approached him on his porch. After the stabbing occurred many people gathered around to figure out what was going on and a fight ensued between the clown and other people.

Many concerned Americans are saying that the clowns are arising because of the reboot of Stephen King’s classic 1990 movie “It”. The 2017 “It” is an adaptation of the book by Stephen King where an evil entity takes the form of a clown and proceeds to kill and wreak havoc. Although many believe the clown sightings are related to “It”, a Warner Brothers spokesman recently told CNN there is “absolutely no connection” between the film and recent clown sightings.

While some people are afraid of the clown menace, others are making “hunting parties” to find them and expose them. “A few friends and I go out to hunt for the clowns mainly just to see who they are, because it could be someone we know”, said Joshua Mark Ostrye-Zavala, a Durant resident. “We aren’t a violent group of clown hunters, we are just investigating why they are here and what they want to do and what their purpose is”, said Ostrye-Zavala.