CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story said that the school’s warnings were in response to a Facebook hoax reporting a creepy clown sighting in Vitale Park. The school actions were in fact in response to an earlier and also not credible threat of clowns appearing at a school, which was spread over Instagram.
LIVINGSTON COUNTY – Two Livingston County schools put their communities and law enforcement on high alert starting last Friday about a potential threat posed by people dressed in clown outfits, which turned out not to be credible.
Both Livonia Central Schools and Avon Central Schools put out advisories that they are following social media activity reports which indicated that people dressed as clowns would threaten the safety of the school.
The following is the advisory shared by Livonia Central Schools on Sept. 30:
“Earlier this morning we began processing a story moving through social media and national news regarding individuals dressed as clowns targeting schools. The national media reported school closings in Ohio where such individuals came on campus and threatened individuals causing the schools to close. (see link – http://www.usatoday.com/…/clown-threats-close-ohi…/91312994/)
‘We’ve been coordinating our proactive preparedness with Livingston County Sheriff’s Department to ensure that our students and campus remains safe and secure. We do not have a specific, credible nor imminent threat for Livonia Central School. We are, however, continuing to monitor the situation and will have additional support from the Sheriff’s Department throughout the day and during our Homecoming Celebrations later this evening. All Homecoming activities will continue as planned.
‘As always, we will continue to keep you informed if the situation changes.”
Avon Central School sent out the following robocall on Friday to parents with the following message:
“Good afternoon. This is your Avon School Superintendent Dr. Aaron Johnson with a brief message. Some of you may be aware of the national regarding clown sightings going around for the past few months. Yesterday, a Monroe County school released a statement dispelling rumors in their district. Today, we did have reports from students of general clown-related posts and threats that were circling various social media. These reports were fully investigated by our school administration and Avon police. We found that the posts that were reported were generalized and in no apparent way were directed at or thought to be linked to Avon, New York specifically. As a safety precaution, Avon Police have tripled the number of officers patrolling our campus today and will have an increased presence across the district at dismissal. If you hear additional information, or your child makes reports to you, contact your local law enforcement agency or building principal immediately. In the case of immediate emergencies, children should be instructed to call 911. Thank you in advance for helping us assure the safety of our students and staff. Enjoy your weekend.”