Clowns: Vague threat toward Daleville High leads to increased police presence

Threats by so-called clowns on social media Sunday led to an increased police presence at Daleville High School Monday, said Director of Public Safety Harvey Mathis.

Mathis said a student showed a Facebook post to a parent on Sunday, which indicated a clown, or someone was going to shoot up the school. He said while some students were kept home from school or checked out of school, Monday morning has been “routine” and peaceful.

The police chief said reserve officers were brought in to back up the regular full-time force and students were protected from the bus to the classroom.

“Everything has been quiet. The school is not on lockdown. Our officers are walking the campus and at all school entrances,” said Mathis, adding that his department is communicating with and fully cooperating with the school system and its needs.

Clown sightings have caused alarm and have been reported in multiple states in the South. Last week, two schools were placed on lockdown due to social media threats made from a Facebook page, “Flomo Klown.” Law officials have since made multiple arrests in Escambia County in relation to those threats, which have been termed as hoaxes.

In any case, Mathis said, any and all threats are taken seriously and students will be protected.