2016 Conspiracy Theories That People Really Fell For!

Pizzagate

The theory was referred to as “Pizzagate,” and they later linked a local pizza parlor to the theory. Comet Ping Pong, the Washington eatery, was connected to Pizzagate because the owner, James Alefantis, used to date David Brock who was the head of a pro-Clinton group. Podesta knew Brock and Alefantis and had eaten pizza at the restaurant so the internet rumor propagators believed they were all in on this “scandal.”

One man from South Carolina, Edgar Welch, drove to Washington D.C. to “investigate” the claims. He ended up firing an assault rifle inside Comet Ping Pong, and later surrendered when he discovered no children being hidden inside. In an interview with the New York Times, Welch, sitting in his jail cell, has now said he regrets how he handled the situation.

Dangerous Rumors

Although this has clearly been proven to be false, people across the internet are still clinging to the belief that it is somehow true. Those who believe this weird, completely unfounded rumor include the son of incoming national security adviser, Michael Flynn. It is disturbing how easy it is to find people to believe fake stories. Apparently, they do not know how to fact check or do research about sources. In the meantime, the pizza parlor has been forced to hire more security and there have been constant barrages such as insults across social media platforms all over the internet.

Says owner James Alefantis, “What happened today demonstrates that promoting false and reckless conspiracy theories comes with consequences. I hope that those involved in fanning those flames will take a moment to contemplate what happened here today, and stop promoting these falsehoods right away.” For the sake of the safety of those involved let’s hope it ceases before someone ends up hurt in REAL life.