The clown phenomenon is sweeping the nation, taking over social media platforms, and provoking violence within educational institutions. Although the clown was once a symbol of happiness and joviality, these supposed pranks now destroy the integrity of the original image and intensify the nationwide clown delirium. 
The original stalker clown, known as the Northampton Clown, became a worldwide sensation in 2013. Locals spotted and photographed the clown holding balloons in the British town of Northampton. The Daily Mirror unmasked the clown as Northampton University ­student and filmmaker Mr. Alex Powell, who also created the popular “Spot Northampton’s Clown” Facebook page, according to theweek.com. Mr. Powell facilitated the rise of the creepy clown character toward viral phenomenon.
The heightened clown frenzy began in the United States this year when parents reported creepy clowns luring children into the woods in Greenville, South Carolina August 21, according to The New York Times. Ever since, the public has reported creepy clown sightings on college campuses and towns across the United States.  
Although some teenagers use clown costumes to perform seemingly harmless pranks, it has caused a spiral of terror and a great deal of commotion in people’s lives and ultimately needs to be stopped.
Recently, police have spent more time hunting creepy clown sightings rather than pursuing more heinous crimes. As a result, children and adults are too frightened to leave their houses, and mobs of college students are violently retaliating against these clowns.