‘Staged’: Conspiracy theories spread online after thwarted shooting at White House press gala

After a gunman rushed the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, online conspiracy theorists claim the thwarted attack was staged to boost Trump’s poll numbers. | Contesto: cronaca

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• ‘Staged’: Conspiracy theories spread online after thwarted shooting at White House press gala

Contesto

A White House Correspondents’ Dinner was cut short on Saturday after a gunman breached security and rushed the event, but the thwarted attack has already spawned a wave of conspiracy theories online, with some claiming the incident was staged as a response to US President Donald Trump’s declining poll numbers. The incident occurred at the annual gala in Washington, D.C., where journalists, politicians, and celebrities had gathered. According to initial reports, the suspect, whose identity has not been released, was tackled by Secret Service agents before he could reach the main hall. No injuries were reported, and the event was evacuated as a precaution. Law enforcement officials have not yet provided a motive, and the investigation is ongoing. Within hours of the news breaking, social media platforms were flooded with posts questioning the authenticity of the attack. Users pointed to what they described as inconsistencies in the official account, including the timing of the breach and the lack of visible security footage. Some argued that the incident was a “false flag” operation designed to distract from Trump’s recent approval ratings, which have dipped amid ongoing controversies over trade policy and foreign relations. These theories, while lacking evidence, reflect a broader trend of distrust in mainstream institutions and news media. The White House Correspondents’ Dinner, traditionally a lighthearted affair, has become a political flashpoint in recent years, with Trump himself boycotting the event during his presidency. Critics say the spread of such narratives undermines public confidence in factual reporting, even as journalists work to verify the details of the foiled attack. The White House has not commented on the conspiracy theories, and the Secret Service has declined to provide additional details beyond confirming the arrest. Meanwhile, the Correspondents’ Association released a statement thanking law enforcement for their swift response and expressing relief that no one was harmed. The association has not announced whether the dinner will be rescheduled. As investigators piece together what happened, the online chatter continues to grow, raising...

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Categoria: cronaca