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Read the press release here.

Clown Incidents Spark Safety Letter to Public School Parents

By Amy Zimmer | October 7, 2016 6:04pm | Updated on October 10, 2016 8:48am
 Creepy clown threats made to several schools via social media prompted principals to send a letter home.
Creepy clown threats made to several schools via social media prompted principals to send a letter home.
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Twitter/109th Precinct

MANHATTAN — Students across the city came home with a letter Thursday and Friday from their principals about several schools that received “threats via social media.”

“Over the last few days, several New York City schools have received threats via social media,” stated the Oct. 6 letter that principals sent families from the Upper West Side to Windsor Terrace and beyond. “NYPD was immediately notified and determined the threats were not credible.”

Department of Education officials confirmed that some of the threats were related to the “creepy clown” incidents that are spreading across the country and now in the city.

Several high schools in The Bronx — including John F. Kennedy, Harry S. Truman, DeWitt  Clinton and Preston — were among 20 in the Metro region, that received “creepy clown” threats on Facebook and Instagram, according to News 12. The threats reportedly said, “We are coming.”

Clown incidents that have been spooking people across the country began popping up here this week.

On Wednesday, a kitchen knife-wielding man in a clown mask chased a 16-year-old boy off a No. 6 train at the 96th Street station on the Upper East Side, police said. Another 16-year-old boy looking out his bedroom window in East Elmhurst saw a clown on the street staring at him and waving a knife, according to police.

“We are monitoring the situation and will continue working closely with the NYPD to ensure the safety and security of all school buildings,” the letter from schools continued. “If any threats have been made directly to you or your student, please report them to the NYPD.”