Sandy hook theory

A documentary promoting the conspiracy theory alleging that the tragedy at Sandy Hook is a hoax designed to increase popular support for gun control. Sign In Sign In.

Our websites may use cookies to personalize and enhance your experience. By continuing without changing your cookie settings, you agree to this collection. For more information, please see our University Websites Privacy Notice. Conspiracy theories are powerful forces in the U. They have damaged public health amid a global pandemic, shaken faith in the democratic process and helped spark a violent assault on the U.

Sandy hook theory

Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones recorded a video in front of the Virginia Capitol the night before a major pro gun rally. Conspiracy theories are powerful forces in the U. They have damaged public health amid a global pandemic, shaken faith in the democratic process and helped spark a violent assault on the U. Capitol in January These conspiracy theories are part of a dangerous misinformation crisis that has been building for years in the U. While American politics has long had a paranoid streak , and belief in conspiracy theories is nothing new , outlandish conspiracy theories born on social media now regularly achieve mainstream acceptance and are echoed by people in power. Recently, one of the most popular American conspiracy theorists faced consequences in court for his part in spreading viral lies. Jones had falsely claimed that the shooting was a hoax. As a journalism professor at the University of Connecticut, I have studied the misinformation that surrounded the mass shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, on Dec. Ten years ago, the Sandy Hook shooting demonstrated how fringe ideas could quickly become mainstream on social media and win support from various establishment figures — even when the conspiracy theory targeted grieving families of young students and school staff killed during the massacre. Those who claimed the tragedy was a hoax showed up in Newtown and harassed people connected to the shooting. This provided an early example of how misinformation spread on social media could cause real-world harm.

The kind of harassment and death threats that Sandy hook theory Hook families faced has also become a common fallout of conspiracy theories. Archived from the original on October 17,

One month after the Sandy Hook school shootings, the list of victims continues to grow. One man, Gene Rosen — who found six children and a bus driver in his driveway, brought them into his home, fed them and called parents to assure them that their children were safe — has been harassed by telephone, email and online by those who think he is lying about his actions, and is part of a conspiracy. Rosen is not the first hero to be assaulted and insulted by conspiracy theorists with doubts. In , when conspiracy theorist Bart Sibrel confronted astronaut Buzz Aldrin and called him a "coward and a liar" for faking the moon landings , the year-old promptly punched Sibrel in the face. A group called the Sandy Hook Truther movement has emerged from the dust and chaos over the past weeks to claim that the school shooting was all a staged event.

One month after the Sandy Hook school shootings, the list of victims continues to grow. One man, Gene Rosen — who found six children and a bus driver in his driveway, brought them into his home, fed them and called parents to assure them that their children were safe — has been harassed by telephone, email and online by those who think he is lying about his actions, and is part of a conspiracy. Rosen is not the first hero to be assaulted and insulted by conspiracy theorists with doubts. In , when conspiracy theorist Bart Sibrel confronted astronaut Buzz Aldrin and called him a "coward and a liar" for faking the moon landings , the year-old promptly punched Sibrel in the face. A group called the Sandy Hook Truther movement has emerged from the dust and chaos over the past weeks to claim that the school shooting was all a staged event. Though many Americans are outraged and incredulous that anyone could doubt that the tragedy even happened, the Sandy Hook school shootings follow classic conspiracy thinking. Here are a few reasons why. Shootings — even child murders — happen every day, several times a day, in America. According to UNICEF, America has the worst record of child abuse and homicide in the industrialized world, with an average of 27 children killed every week by their parents and caregivers.

Sandy hook theory

In this episode of "Intelligence Matters," host Michael Morell speaks with journalist and author Elizabeth Williamson, who traced the rise and proliferation of conspiracy theories surrounding the Sandy Hook school shooting in a new book, Sandy Hook: An American Tragedy in the Battle for Truth. Williamson and Morell discuss how the conspiracy theories began, to whom they tend to appeal and how social media companies have been integral to their spread. Williamson also explains how the U. The appeal of conspiracy theories: "People get a sense of group belonging. They get a whole new identity for themselves. They get a sense of elevated social status. They gather in groups, they build each other up. They embroider these theories. They support each other. Many of these individuals have forsaken their families, their jobs, their real world reputations just to be part of these kinds of groups.

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Crawford Amanda J. Archived from the original on May 18, Details Edit. Retrieved April 2, Retrieved December 17, Since Sandy Hook, survivors of many other high-profile mass shootings and attacks, such as the Boston Marathon bombing and the Charlottesville car attack , have had their trauma compounded by denial about their tragedies. Speculation that the shooting was a false flag — an attack made to look as if it were committed by someone else — began to circulate on Twitter and other social media sites almost immediately. Archived from the original on December 15, Sign In Sign In. A new Uvalde report defends local police. Share Share. Retrieved January 9, However, in March , Richards—who was free on bond—failed to show up to court for a change-of-plea hearing and sentencing. Jones played video of one parent — a plaintiff in the Connecticut case against him — over and over, speculating he was an actor.

The perpetrator, Adam Lanza, fatally shot his mother before murdering 20 students and six staff members at Sandy Hook Elementary School , and later committed suicide.

Archived from the original on February 8, Retrieved January 17, USA Today. Here are a few reasons why. Retrieved April 6, Several conspiracy theorists have also claimed a six-year-old victim of the shooting subsequently appeared in a photograph with President Barack Obama. Since Sandy Hook, survivors of many other high-profile mass shootings and attacks, such as the Boston Marathon bombing and the Charlottesville car attack , have had their trauma compounded by denial about their tragedies. Social Links Navigation. They will also ask the jury to assess additional punitive damages. Lawyer and dentist Orly Taitz —best known for her promotion of Barack Obama citizenship "birther" conspiracy theories —was quoted as asking "Was Adam Lanza drugged and hypnotized by his handlers to make him into a killing machine as an excuse as the regime is itching to take all means of self defense from the populace before the economic collapse?