Misinformation and Merchandizing in the Wake of the Trump Shooting: A Tale of False Identities and Profit
The attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump on Saturday, July 14th, 2024, ignited a firestorm of online activity, with users scrambling to identify the perpetrator and dissect the unfolding events. In the chaotic aftermath, a wave of misinformation swept the internet, leaving a trail of false accusations and exploited images in its wake. One particularly disturbing aspect of this unfortunate episode is the swift commercialization of the tragedy, with online retailers capitalizing on the public’s fascination and shock.
The misidentification of Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old Pennsylvania man killed by the Secret Service at the Trump rally, as the shooter is a stark illustration of how easily misinformation can spread in the digital age. The confusion was further fueled by a man using the username @jewgazing on X/Twitter who, through a series of videos and posts, played on the resemblance between himself and the deceased Crooks. He even went so far as to claim to be Crooks in a video, acknowledging his false identity only subtly, fueling the misunderstanding.
"My name is Thomas Matthew Crooks," the man declares in a since-deleted video tweet, "I hate Republicans, I hate Trump, and guess what… you got the wrong guy."
While the man’s deliberate ambiguity may have added to the initial confusion, it’s crucial to highlight that the real shooter is dead and that this individual is clearly still alive. A yearbook photo of the actual Crooks, obtained by the Washington Post, confirms their distinct identities.
The misidentification of the shooter highlights the inherent dangers of relying solely on online information, especially during a rapidly developing situation. The ease with which false information can spread underscores the importance of verifying information from reliable sources and exercising critical thinking before sharing content.
Unfortunately, the misidentification of Crooks is not the only concerning development in the wake of the shooting. The incident has also become a lucrative opportunity for online merchants seeking to capitalize on the public’s fascination with the events. Numerous websites now sell merchandise featuring images of Trump immediately following the shooting, including coffee mugs, wall art, and apparel featuring a photo captured by Associated Press photographer Evan Vucci, which shows Trump raising his fist after being shot.
The proliferation of these products raises ethical questions about profiting from tragedy. While some may see these items as expressions of support for Trump, others view them as exploitative and insensitive towards the victims. The potential for these products to contribute to the further polarization of the political climate cannot be ignored.
The Associated Press (AP), holder of the rights to the widely used photo of Trump, has expressed its intention to pursue legal action against those who use the image without authorization. The AP’s firm stance reflects its understanding of the potential for exploitation and the importance of protecting its intellectual property. It’s worth noting that the AP previously sued Shepard Fairey over the unauthorized use of a photo of President Barack Obama for his iconic "HOPE" poster. Fairey eventually settled with the AP, facing criminal charges and probation after destroying evidence in the case.
The AP’s actions resonate with a broader concern regarding the commercialization of tragedy, which has become increasingly prevalent in the digital age. It raises questions about the ethical boundaries of profit-making in the face of significant events, particularly those involving violence or loss of life.
Beyond the legal and ethical implications, there is a deeper concern surrounding the ongoing spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories related to the shooting. Despite the confirmation of the shooter’s identity and the fact that he is deceased, fringe websites continue to circulate false information, including wrong photographs and baseless claims of a Secret Service cover-up.
Roger Stone, a Trump ally pardoned by the former president, has even spread rumors identifying a man named Maxwell Yearick as the shooter, a claim entirely devoid of evidence. These baseless accusations further fuel the fire of misinformation, contributing to a toxic environment ripe with distrust and conspiracy.
The perpetuation of such conspiracy theories, often fueled by partisan biases and a thirst for sensationalism, undermines public trust in factual information and institutions. It is crucial for individuals to be vigilant in their information consumption, seeking out reputable sources and critically evaluating the content they encounter.
The attempted assassination of Donald Trump has served as a stark reminder of the profound impact of misinformation in the digital age. The misidentification of the shooter, the commercialization of the tragedy, and the continued spread of conspiracy theories underscore the urgency of addressing the challenges posed by digital misinformation.
It is imperative to prioritize factual information, critically examine the content we consume, and engage in responsible online discourse. Otherwise, we risk fueling a cycle of distrust and instability that undermines the very fabric of our society.
