WASHINGTON 鈥� Loudoun County is reminding its residents that in most circumstances it is against the law to wear a mask in public after threats referencing people dressed as clowns聽have the region on edge.
The Loudoun County Sheriff鈥檚 Office and Loudoun County Public Schools issued the reminder Tuesday afternoon after threats to several schools. The social media threats, deemed not credible and intended as a disruption, come on the heels of similar postings in the region regarding clowns and violence at area schools.
Prince George鈥檚 County police arrested one teen Monday, accusing him of setting up a Twitter account 鈥渨ith a clown theme鈥� that he used to threaten students at Parkdale High School in Riverdale, Maryland, on Monday.
In Virginia, it is for anyone over 16 to wear a mask 鈥渨ith the intent to conceal his identity.鈥� It is OK to wear a mask when it is part of a 鈥渢raditional holiday costume,鈥� part of a theatrical production or needed for a job or health reason.
Breaking the law could come with jail time and a hefty fine 鈥� it carries a penalty of up to 12 months in jail and a $2,500 fine if trying the case without a jury.
Loudoun County Sheriff鈥檚 Office said as a precaution it will be conducting directed patrol in the area of schools.
Prince George鈥檚 County police in connection with the recent string of threats. Prince George鈥檚 County police and FBI are continuing to investigate the threats.
Loudoun County residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to police by calling 703-777-1021.
