The clown sightings that were first reported in Greenville, SC, concerning clowns trying to lure kids into the woods, have now reportedly reached Hillsborough. This clown epidemic has been rocking the nation recently with reports popping up all over the country. Clown sightings have been reported in over two dozen states and has led to arrests, school bans on clown costumes, and a mass clown hunt at Penn State University.

On Sept. 30, a Instagram user by the name of “aintclowningaround666” posted a photo of the front of Hillsborough High School with the caption: “I’m waiting I’m watching.” This post raised hysteria around the school and caused for extra caution. The post was most likely sparked by the home game that occurred that night against Phillipsburg, where they recently have been having clown sightings themselves.

Since there were a total of zero clown sightings that night, the post was clearly a hoax. The person behind the user was most likely a kid from HHS or Phillipsburg trying to play a sick joke.

On Oct. 5, the clown sightings became physical in Hillsborough. A picture of a clown in front of the Halloween store off of route 206 surfaced on Snapchat and later Twitter.

Later that night, senior Camille Desierto was driving home on route 206 from her shift at Plato’s Closet at around 9:30 pm. While passing Lora’s Gas Station driving under the train bridge, Desierto noticed a figure in all black on a non reflective bike. The figure scared her and she honked as a result as she passed him. When she looked back to see what she almost hit, she saw that the person was wearing a clown mask. Desierto didn’t call the cops, but was very spooked by the situation.

There’s little to be worried about, though. I’m sure once this article is posted, the whole clown thing will be blown over, just like any other viral trend. All of these sightings around town have caused no harm, other than some startled observers.

In a recent email sent out to HHS, Principal Karen Bingert weighed in on the controversy for Halloween.

“While there is no official ban on such costumes, in the interest of public safety for all our kids and the community, we ask that students in grades 5-12 refrain from wearing clown costumes this year,” Bingert stated.

It is understandable to be nervous for this Halloween, however know that there has been no serious encounters, and the sightings that have occurred are all most likely hoaxes. As always though, be cautious and safe this Halloween and keep your eye peeled for any suspicious clowns!