On Wednesday afternoon, Antioch Unified School District Superintendent Stephanie Anello addressed the “crazy clowns” rumors and posted an update on the Districts website.
Yesterday, Anello confirmed that the rumors of clowns targeted Dallas Ranch Middle School, however, images posted online showed the Antioch Middle School logo and students at both Deer Valley High School and Black Diamond Middle School reported they heard or saw threatening statements.
Here is what the statement says:
As you are aware, social media postings regarding ‘crazy clowns’ coming to schools to commit acts of violence have spread across the country and have now reached the Antioch Unified School District (AUSD). During the past two days, we have received reports of crazy clown sightings and social media posts threatening to commit violence at some of our schools. Specific threats have been investigated by AUSD administrators as well as officers from the Antioch Police Department. We have yet to confirm that a ‘crazy clown’ has been near or on any AUSD campus. However, we will continue to be vigilant in our efforts to ensure that all of our schools are safe and student learning time is not interrupted.
Should we at any time receive information that there is a credible threat to do harm at any of our schools –or to any of our students, we will not hesitate to share that information with law enforcement, our parents, and with the greater community.
As always, student safety is our number one concern. Thank you for your continued support of our students and our schools.
Sincerely,
Stephanie Anello
Just before 8:00 am this morning, Antioch Police released the following press release:
On 10/04/16, at approximately 1057 hours, Antioch Police Officers were dispatched to Dallas Ranch Middle school on a report of posts on social media sites that clowns were going to shoot at the school. Officers arrived on scene, checked the surrounding areas, and met with the school administrators.
Through the initial investigation, it appears today’s social media posts are similar to other recent posts that have happened throughout the country. Despite these other incidents having been determined as a hoax, the Antioch Police Department in cooperation with the Antioch Unified School District, are investigating this incident to determine its validity and to identify the person or persons responsible for the posts.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to call the Antioch Police at (925) 778-2441. You may also text a tip to 274637 (CRIMES) using key word ANTIOCH
