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Target pulls clown masks from shelves amid creepy clown threats

Mary Bowerman, USA TODAY Network
This file photo taken on October 21, 2013 shows, Halloween masks on a wall at Spirit Halloween costume store in Easton, Maryland. 
A series of creepy clown sightings across the United States has caused a wave of hysteria, forcing police and schools to scramble to contain spreading jitters, and even the White House to weigh in.

 

Target pulled some creepy clown masks from the shelves of many stores and online amid countless reports of clown threats nationwide. 

The company made the decision to pull some of the masks online and in stores last week, according to Joshua Thomas, a spokesperson for Target.

"Given the current environment, we have made the decision to remove a variety of clown masks from our assortment, both in stores and online," Thomas said in an email statement. 

In recent months, reports of people wearing creepy clown masks have caused problems for more than 20 states across the country. In some states, schools have closed while officials investigated threats of violence from masked clowns on social media.  

Serious or just a sick joke? What we know about creepy clown reports

The threats sparked outrage in many communities and prompted hashtags on social media, with many saying they wouldn’t hesitate to respond with violence if they come across a creepy clown. 

But despite the chance that donning a creepy clown costume could put people on edge, evil clown costume sales are up 300%, as the costume chain Halloween Express recently told Eye Opener TV. 

"In the top 10, eight of them are 'evil' clown masks this season, whereas last year, five of the top 10 were 'evil,'" Halloween Express spokesman Brad Butler told the news program. Other costume chains declined to comment or did not respond to inquiries from Eye Opener.

Halloween trick? Creepy clown costume sales up 300%

Target did not have details on whether there have been any increases in clown costume sales at Target stores, according to ABC.

Follow @MaryBowerman on Twitter. 

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