UPDATE: A right-wing outlet has sparked outrage and potential legal repercussions with explosive claims about the January 6 attack. The Blaze alleged that a female CIA employee planted pipe bombs at the Democratic and Republican National Committee headquarters, citing dubious evidence. This revelation, announced just days ago, is now unraveling, putting the outlet at risk of a mammoth libel lawsuit, according to Will Sommer of The Bulwark.
The article initially appeared to be a groundbreaking development in a mystery that has haunted Washington for years, quickly gaining traction among prominent Republicans, including Kari Lake and members of Congress like Barry Loudermilk and Thomas Massie. The claims were amplified on social media, with Anna Paulina Luna asserting that “a Capitol police officer placed a pipe bomb at the RNC on J6,” using The Blaze’s story as supposed proof.
However, the credibility of these claims is rapidly diminishing.
“The article’s claims seemed like the first major development in a mystery that has befuddled Washington for years,”
Sommer reported. Critical analysis reveals that The Blaze failed to provide actual video comparisons or credible gait analysis details. Instead, they referenced a so-called “video sleuth,” a little-known user named Armitas, whose profile image is from a 1998 video game.
Compounding the situation, the DOJ and FBI have not commented on these allegations, and it remains uncertain whether “gait analysis” is a scientifically valid method. The woman identified as the alleged bomber had already been a target of right-wing media, previously seen firing pepper spray at January 6 rioters and testifying against them in court.
Adding to the chaos, The Blaze was forced to correct its claims about her role at the CIA, which was misrepresented as a security detail for Director John Ratcliffe; she is actually a security guard. Following the fallout, several right-wing websites have distanced themselves from the story, and lawmakers, including Luna, have quietly deleted their tweets supporting the claims.
Prominent MAGA figure Julie Kelly criticized the story as “weak,” igniting a division among far-right commentators. Even Glenn Beck, who initially supported the narrative, has since refrained from naming the accused woman, stating, “This person of interest is still a citizen whose life carries the same dignity and presumption of innocence as yours and mine. I can’t tell you what is true in this story yet.”
As the situation develops, the potential for a major legal battle looms over The Blaze, raising questions about accountability in the media. This controversial narrative underscores the urgency of verifying claims before sharing them, particularly in politically charged environments. Stay tuned for further updates on this unfolding story.
