And you are ignoring the LAW.
Capitalized or not, the law does not require one to be shot or knifed before they defend themselves from a lethal threat. Fact is, people are dressing up as clowns and attacking others. No less than the President of the US has acknowledged the danger. Including that information in the assessment of a clown threat is ALSO the law.
Terrorism is illegal. Terrorism is considered a lethal threat under the LAW.