Right-Wing Outlet Faces Massive Libel Risk Over Pipe Bomb Claims

UPDATE: A right-wing outlet, The Blaze, is facing potential legal repercussions over its controversial claim regarding the January 6 attack. The article suggested that a former CIA employee, now identified as a Capitol Police officer, planted pipe bombs at both the Democratic and Republican National Committee headquarters, but new reports indicate the story is unraveling rapidly.

The claims made in the article were picked up quickly by prominent Republican figures, including Kari Lake and Barry Loudermilk, chair of the House’s new January 6th subcommittee. Just days after the article’s publication, however, experts and commentators have raised significant doubts about its credibility. Will Sommer reported for The Bulwark that the evidence presented in the article is “shaky at best,” noting a lack of actual video comparisons or reliable gait analysis.

The Blaze’s article described the alleged perpetrator as a “video sleuth” named Armitas, whose credentials remain questionable. Meanwhile, the DOJ and FBI have not commented on the claims, further diminishing their validity. The story has been criticized for potentially targeting an individual already under fire from the far-right for her previous testimony against January 6 participants.

Adding to the controversy, the article contained inaccuracies that required prompt corrections. Initially, it misidentified the accused’s role at the CIA, stating she was part of the security detail for Director John Ratcliffe when she actually served as a security guard. This error has led many to question the outlet’s journalistic integrity.

As the fallout continues, several GOP lawmakers who initially promoted the story, including Anna Paulina Luna, have since removed their endorsements. Even Glenn Beck, who once supported the claims, has distanced himself, stating, “This person of interest is still a citizen whose life carries the same dignity and presumption of innocence as yours and mine.”

The potential for a “mammoth libel lawsuit” looms large as the right-wing media landscape begins to fracture over the backlash. Julie Kelly, a notable figure in the MAGA movement, referred to the story as “weak,” igniting a rift among far-right commentators.

The implications of this story are significant, not just for those involved but for the broader narrative surrounding the January 6 events. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on how The Blaze and its supporters respond to the growing criticism and potential legal challenges. Stay tuned for updates on this unfolding story.