Temecula: Rumored clown sightings are causing concerns nationwide and in our local communties. These clowns are no laughing matter to school officials and local police. News organizations are reporting across the nation that  social media threats directed at schools and sighting of clowns are showing up at schools and remote areas threatening to do harm.  

UPDATE: Temecula Valley Unified School District sent a new letter to parents on clown issue Wednesday afternoon. 

Oct. 5, 2016

Vail Ranch Middle School Clown Threat Confirmed A Prank - not credible - Suspects Identified .As a follow up to last evening's message to you regarding the rumored threatening clown sightings in Temecula, we wanted to provide you with the following important update.

An individual dressed in a clown outfit holding a fake knife was videotaped in front of Vail Ranch Middle School last evening and shared through social media. As of this afternoon, Temecula PD has confirmed this was indeed a prank. Suspects have been identified and PD is currently pursuing an investigation. Again, there are no credible threats against any TVUSD school sites. As with any investigation, no information is available regarding the identity of the individuals involved. This is now a police matter and will be handled accordingly.
Unfortunately, social media continues to spread numerous false rumors about sightings and threats. This form of cyber terrorism is extremely upsetting and is disrupting to our educational learning opportunites for our students, as well as increasing everyone's anxiety levels.
We once again need to ask for the support of our TVUSD parents in reminding our students to be vigilant in their discernement between rumors and facts when participating in social media. Above all, they need to know that their safety at school is our priority and that they are surrounded by adults who care about them. We encourage you and your student(s) to report any suspicious activity at or near a school site directly to a school site administrator or teacher. This will give us the opportunity to investigate with the proper authorities involvement.
Thank you for your time and attention. We truly appreciate your continual support.
Laura Boss
Public Information Officer
Temecula Valley Unified School District

Clown sightings near schools in the Temecula Unified School District prompted school officials to send a letter to parents.  

10/4/2016

Dear TVUSD Families, Temecula Valley Unified School District is aware of and monitoring recent social media posts and reports about clowns showing up at schools and threatening harm. We have not been able to confirm any verifiable sightings at or near Temecula Valley Unified schools. The reports that were shared last evening in the Press Enterprise were from a social media page that has since been removed and was not able to be verified.

There have been additional reports today of sightings through social media, however, nothing has been able to be verified. While we understand this is a disturbing trend moving across the US, we do not have any information that has determined these threats to be credible. Known states this threat has occurred include Illinois, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Georgia, DC, Texas, Arizona, New Jersey and others. Specifically, the social media threat reads: "We will be at all high schools this Friday to either kidnap [sic] students or kill teachers going to their cars ..." accompanied by the hash tag, #WeNotClowninAround.

The original post on Facebook from user 'Ain't Clownin Around' has since been removed. Consulting intelligence sources have shared that they believe these threats are a form of cyber terrorism and swatting intended to create panic in the schools. This is an opportunity to discuss these concerns with your children and remind them about contacts with strangers as well as risks and consequences for any potential involvement in these social media posts. They need to be aware of their surroundings and report contacts, sightings, or activity that makes them uncomfortable to an adult on their school campus immediately. There are numerous federal, state and local agencies working to investigate this issue and determine the source(s).

As always, our student and staff safety is a paramount concern and we take every threat that comes to our attention seriously and seek consultation with appropriate resources to make determinations before we communicate with families.

Murrieta Unified School District Wrote: 

Creepy clown phenomena There have been several people who have expressed concern about the person(s) spotted at different locations in the city dressed as creepy clowns. While it is not illegal to wear a clown mask, illegally carrying weapons or making criminal threats to harm others will be thoroughly investigated and those responsible will face criminal charges. The Temecula Police Department takes a zero-tolerance stance against those who would seek to spread fear by making threats to harm others.

We are asking the public to report suspicious activity at (800) 950-2444 or 696-HELP so that it can be thoroughly investigated. Even though there are no known credible threats associated with the creepy clowns, our officers are on the lookout for those engaged in any illegal activity associated with the creepy clown phenomena. Also, our school resource officers are working closely with our schools to ensure a quick response when/if there are concerns related to the creepy clown phenomena on a particular campus. While we don’t believe the creepy clown phenomena is anything but an internet hoax, we are determined to remain alert/aware so we can closely monitor the issue and keep the community safe. Thank you, Jeff Kubel Chief of Police 

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