Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) is taking clown masks off its shelves.
The retailer has made the difficult decision of pulling an image that was once synonymous with joy and children’s birthday parties due to the number of creepy clown sightings that have hit the country so far.
There have been more than a dozen incidents where clowns have terrorized their surroundings in different parts of the country with the intent of scaring people. In some cases, threats of actual physical harm have been issued by people dressed as clowns, creating a nationwide alert over these Halloween freaks.
In one case, four people were arrested in Georgia for issuing threats to elementary, middle and high schools in the area. Authorities suggest that you call 911 if you see a clown.
Target has 1,799 stores and it is unclear whether or not the company will pull the masks from all its stores or only the places affected. When you look up these masks online, the message “product not available” shows up to prevent you from buying a creepy clown costume.
As alarming as these masks are, real clowns who live to entertain children have defended and distanced themselves from those using the clown image to create terror.
In fact, a rally called Clown Lives Matter was organized this past weekend to support clowns who actually try to make a difference for the better in their communities.
TGT shares fell 1.3% Monday.
