As news announcements spread and suspects were searched in surrounding counties, the fear crossed over to many other cities, including Hope, Lufkin, Magnolia, and even as far as Oklahoma City. Residents in other cities also began stocking up on guns and axes. After three weeks with no murders, the town's fear began to lessen. The concern lasted throughout the summer and eventually subsided after three months had passed. The Texas Rangers quietly left Texarkana little by little through October. This was not announced, to dissuade the Phantom from attempting another attack.