A false bomb threat at a Trump rally site on Long Island caused a stir among high-profile figures and conservative media outlets.
Axios reported that Elon Musk and Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) both shared information about the rumored explosive device on X.
The rumor, which originated on Wednesday morning, claimed that an explosive device had been discovered in a vehicle near the perimeter of the Trump rally location. This false information quickly spread through conservative media channels and social media platforms.
Elon Musk, the owner of X, responded to the rumor by reposting a story about the alleged bomb threat with a single-word comment: "Wow." This brief reaction from the influential tech mogul helped amplify the unverified information to his massive follower base.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene took a more dramatic approach in her response to the rumored threat. She posted on X: THEY WILL NOT STOP UNTIL THEY KILL TRUMP!
Greene's statement, accompanied by a screenshot of a Daily Mail article about the bomb threat, further fueled concerns among Trump supporters about potential dangers facing the former president.
The rapid spread of the rumor and the reactions from prominent figures underscore the volatile nature of information dissemination in the current political climate, especially when it concerns high-profile events and individuals.
Nassau County Police Department Commissioner Patrick Ryder addressed the situation, putting an end to the spreading rumors. In an official statement, Ryder confirmed that the reports of explosives being found at the Trump rally site were unfounded.
The commissioner explained that the false alarm was likely caused by an individual who may have been training a bomb detection dog at the site. This person reportedly "falsely reported explosives being found," leading to the spread of misinformation.
Ryder also stated that the police had detained the individual responsible for the false report for questioning. This swift action by local law enforcement helped to quell fears and prevent the further spread of the unfounded rumor.
The false bomb threat incident comes on the heels of a reported assassination attempt on Trump just days prior. This sequence of events has heightened awareness of security issues surrounding presidential candidates and their public appearances.
Several media outlets and social media accounts picked up and spread the false bomb threat story before it was debunked. The Daily Mail, a British tabloid known for its quick reporting on breaking news, was among the publications that shared the unverified information.
James Lalino, a reporter, contributed to the spread of the rumor by posting details on X about an explosive device allegedly found in a vehicle and a driver fleeing into the woods. This information, though later proved false, was quickly picked up and shared by other accounts and media outlets.
The false bomb threat at the Trump rally site in Long Island sparked widespread concern and controversy. High-profile figures like Elon Musk and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene shared the unverified information on social media. Nassau County Police quickly debunked the rumor, attributing it to a misunderstanding involving a bomb detection dog training exercise. This incident highlights the ongoing security concerns in the 2024 presidential race and the challenges of managing information flow in the digital age.
