The Hanford Police Department announced earlier today that they have made a second arrest in connection with local "creepy clown" social media posts that have implied potential violence at or around local schools. I would like to assure our parents and students that, while we do not believe these posts present a credible threat to student safety, we take them very seriously and we will continue to work with local law enforcement and to be vigilant in our protection of students.
As I stated yesterday, making terrorist threats against any school or student is punishable by expulsion and prosecution, even if those threats are "anonymous" or a social media "prank". As has been demonstrated by these arrests, online posts are not as "anonymous" as some people think and I would like to thank the Hanford Police Department, including our School Resource Officers, for their quick actions in this case.
I would also like to thank all of the students, parents and other community members who have been quick to report to police any threats that could indicate a danger to our schools or community. And a special thanks, as well, to all of our teachers and school staff for their professionalism and dedication to the safety and well being of our students during this time and always.
William Fishbough
Superintendent
Hanford Joint Union High School District
UPDATE: 2:45 p.m. Oct. 18, 2016
The Hanford Police Department issued a statement this afternoon that they have arrested a juvenile for the "creepy clown" social media threat against local schools.
Thank you to our students, staff, parents, community members and partners in law enforcement who work every day to ensure students are safe at our schools and in our communities.
William Fishbough
Superintendent
Hanford Joint Union High School District
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The Hanford Police Department and Hanford schools were made aware of a "creepy clown" threat to local schools posted on social media last night. We do not believe this to be a credible threat to student safety, but we take all threats seriously and we are working with the Hanford Police Department to investigate and address the issue and ensure the safety of all students and staff, including increased law enforcement presence on our campuses this week as a precautionary measure. Classes and activities will continue as normal.
"Clown threats" have popped up all over the country this month as people have been dressing up as clowns in public places in apparent attempts to scare people. Police have found most of these incidents to be "just pranks" but, again, we will continue to take every reasonable precaution to ensure student safety.
While we are hopeful that these local "creepy clown" posts were not created by HJUHSD students, we also want to remind students and families that making social media posts that threaten any school or student is considered a terrorist threat, which is punishable by law and could result in expulsion.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support of our students and schools.
William Fishbough
Superintendent
Hanford Joint Union High School District
