Being afraid of creepy killer clowns isn't exactly a new occurrence. Television shows such as Supernatural, American Horror Story, and The Simpsons have all utilized the concept of an evil clown out to get a character or seven. Movies (i.e. Poltergeist, both the 1982 original and the 2015 remake, as well as Stephen King's IT) joined in on the killer clown fun while terrifying audiences in the process. Even the music industry has a few fiendish clowns of their own (ICP, I'm looking at you). So, while it may not be a new thing to fear the red-nosed circus performers, it's usually been a bit laughable

However, no one is really in a laughing mood now that late August brought the US the gift of creepy clowns plaguing a few states. News channels, as well as social media sites, have been blowing up with reports of strangers donning clown costumes sneaking around backyards and creeping in the woods. The most recent video I've seen in regards to the issue was a Facebook video posted after two friends out for a run in the woods encountered a clown walking across a bridge. The friends called out, asking the clown something along the lines of "What are you doing?" (which is a much braver thing than I would have done). The clown's response? He turned around on the bridge to face the friends and proceeded to chase after them. There have also been photos of Facebook posts from a page called "Aint Clownin Around" circulating and making their way on to numerous news feeds. Posts include threats on different schools and the intention to attack as many students and faculty as possible. However, all the searches I've done to find this page have turned up empty. Either it's already been taken down, or it never existed in the first place.

While law enforcement has been doing all they can to ensure the safety of civilians and their families, some citizens have been reported to be taking matters into their own hands. According to a few online news sources, a clown in Fort Wayne, Indiana was shot in the head Sunday, October 2nd and left in critical condition until police responded to a 9-1-1 call. The shooter is said to have pulled up alongside the clown in his SUV, exited his vehicle to fire several shots at the clown, and then proceeded to get back into his vehicle and drive away. Now, whether or not this is a credible news story is yet to be determined, but it does plant a dangerous idea into the minds of citizens whose towns seem to have a clown infestation.

Of course, with Halloween soon approaching, how will anyone be able to tell the difference between enthusiastic trick-or-treaters and the reincarnation of Pennywise?