News From The Dark
In late 2016, the internet was ablaze with a disturbing conspiracy theory known as “Pizzagate.” Allegations of a child trafficking ring operating from a popular pizza restaurant in Washington, D.C., captured the attention of many, causing widespread panic and outrage.
In this article, we delve into the origins of Pizzagate, examine its key elements, and highlight the consequences!
The Birth of Pizzagate:
Pizzagate originated from a series of hacked emails belonging to John Podesta, former chairman of Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign.
These emails, released by WikiLeaks, included discussions about food, which conspiracy theorists spun into something far more sinister. One email mentioned meeting at a pizza place, leading some individuals to speculate that the restaurant mentioned was involved in illegal activities.
The Phishing Email That Hacked John Podesta
The email, with the subject line “*Someone has your password,*” greeted Podesta, “Hi John” and then said, “Someone just used your password to try to sign into your Google Account john.podesta@gmail.com.”
Then it offered a time stamp and an IP address in “Location: Ukraine.”
“Google stopped this sign-in attempt. You should change your password immediately.”
And it then offered a link to change his password.
Allegations and Misinterpretations:
Pizzagate proponents took various pieces of information and weaved them together to construct an elaborate narrative.
They claimed that certain code words used in the emails referred to pedophilia, and they linked this supposed secret language to a broader conspiracy involving high-ranking politicians and celebrities.
The Attack on Comet Ping Pong by 28-year-old Edgar Maddison Welch
In December 2016, Edgar Maddison Welch, 28, entered a Comet Ping Pong pizza restaurant in Washington, D.C., armed with an assault rifle, claiming he was investigating the allegations of a child trafficking ring. He discharged his weapon inside the establishment but did not harm anyone.
Edgar Maddison Welch was subsequently arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.
Lack of Evidence and Debunking:
Law enforcement agencies, including the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department, thoroughly investigated the allegations surrounding the pizza restaurant in question.
Allegedly, no credible evidence supporting the existence of a child trafficking ring or any illegal activities was found.
Numerous independent journalists meticulously researched the claims made by Pizzagate supporters and the claims were all proven to be unfounded.
Consequences of Disinformation:
The Pizzagate conspiracy theory had far-reaching consequences, both for the individuals involved and for society at large.
The targeted pizza restaurant became the victim of harassment and threats, forcing it to close temporarily and causing immense distress to its staff and owners.
Additionally, innocent individuals associated with the conspiracy were subjected to online harassment and threats, highlighting the dangers of misinformation in the digital age.
Lessons Learned and Media Literacy:
Pizzagate serves as a stark reminder of the importance of media literacy and critical thinking. In an era of easy access to information, it is crucial to verify sources, cross-check information, and question the validity of claims before accepting them as fact.
The rapid spread of Pizzagate and its consequences highlight the need for responsible information consumption and the importance of distinguishing between verified news and baseless rumors.
BBC – 18 revelations from Wikileaks’ hacked Clinton emails
The new movie Sound of Freedom is reminding people of the PizzaGate Conspiracy Theory!
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