The threats spreading statewide of killer clowns targeting schools in Colorado have hit Jefferson County, school district officials say, though investigators have found no evidence that they have any credibility.
“It has come to our attention there are rumors among students about threats of school violence,” Dan McMinimee, superintendent of Jeffco Public Schools, wrote in a letter to parents on Friday. “Specifically we’ve had numerous reports at several schools about ‘clowns coming to shoot up the school.'”
McMinimee said the rumors have propagated primarily on social media.
Please visit our Facebook page for information about "creepy clown" reports at Jeffco Public Schools: https://t.co/fEk0yDOB13. pic.twitter.com/KXmnxrl7NV
— Jeffco Public Schools (@JeffcoSchoolsCo) September 30, 2016
“Safety and security are a priority to Jeffco Public Schools,” he said. “We immediately investigate threat rumors and involve local law enforcement. We have found no evidence that this is a credible threat.”
The district says students at a county elementary school on Thursday reported seeing clowns outside, at which point security responded and searched the area, finding nothing suspicious.
Adams 12 Five Star Schools released a similar letter to parents on Friday, saying recent activity on social media mentioned threats against district students and schools.
“Five Star District leadership has been working with the appropriate police departments to investigate these situations, the district said in a news release.
Doug Schepman, spokesman for the Denver Police Department, said a parent in the northeast part of the city saw one Facebook post referencing killer clowns and summoned authorities. Schepman explained the post, however, did not mention Denver Public Schools, though an officer was dispatched to investigate.
“At this time we are not aware of any threats to Denver schools,” Schepman said.
Earlier this week, police and prosecutors in Greeley investigated a similar killer clown threat believed to be a hoax. The Greeley Tribune reports two students were detained and could face charges in the case.