A file photo labeled “Scary clown.” Image courtesy Graeme Maclean via Wikimedia Commons.
AGDE, France – Police in France reportedly arrested 14 teenagers dressed as clowns carrying pistols, knives and bats, and the incident is the latest in a string of crimes involving suspects in clown costumes.
France 24 reportsthe teens were arrested Saturday in the parking lot of a school in Agde, France and that “several other complaints poured in over ‘armed clowns’ in the region over the weekend.”
A man was arrested in Montpellier, France for attacking a pedestrian with an iron bar while dressed as a clown. Motorists in the area complained about being threatened by “Scary clowns.”
France 24 reports the trend began in northern France in early October but has now seemed to spread, with several similar incidents occurring in recent weeks.
In a statement, French national police reportedly stated: “Since mid-October, a rumour inspired by videos published on the internet, is worrying the population about the presence of threatening and aggressive clowns in France.”
Five other teens were arrested in Mulhouse, France for equipping themselves with weapons and going out to “mete out vigilante justice to the not-so-funny pranksters,” according to France 24.
There are several theories about the origins of the trend, including social media or the traditions of Halloween celebrated in the United States. Visit France 24 for the complete story.
