“The profile that she contacted actually was using a clown as a profile picture and so using a clown-related alias,” Officer Ashley Jenrette of Hampton Police told local station 10 Wavy.
As a trend of spooky clown sightings continues across the nation, the girl’s town of Hampton has not been exempt.
On Friday morning, school officials sent a message to parents warning them of clown-related threats posted to social media.
The message sent to parents and posted on the district’s website read as follows:
“This is to inform you of a social media posting regarding a rumor of a threat to our building. Please know that the Hampton Police Department and Hampton City Schools are aware of the posting.
We have confidence in the police department addressing this matter. Please know that we have taken measures to ensure the continued safety of our students and staff. While law enforcement has not determined this to be a credible threat, in addition to other measures, you will see an increased presence of law enforcement at our building. As always, thank you for your continued support as we work together to keep our schools safe.”
Due to the threats, police presence has been increased at all schools in the area.
Regarding the solicitation of a killer clown to murder a teacher disliked by a student, the girl has been charged with threatening to kill by electronic message, and remained in police custody on Monday afternoon.
“We looked at prior discipline issues and so on, but basically the range is long-term suspension to expulsion,” Diana Gulotta from Hampton City Schools told Wavy.
