Right-Wing Outlet Faces Potential Libel Suit Over Pipe Bomb Claims

URGENT UPDATE: A right-wing news outlet, The Blaze, is facing a potential mammoth libel lawsuit after publishing explosive but questionable claims about the January 6 Capitol attack. The outlet alleged that a female CIA employee was responsible for planting pipe bombs at the Democratic and Republican National Committee headquarters, triggering a swift backlash as the story began to unravel just days after its release.

The article, which surfaced last week, claimed to provide a breakthrough in one of the most enduring mysteries from the January 6 attack, suggesting that a “forensic match” in camera footage implicated the CIA employee, previously affiliated with the Capitol Police. The story quickly gained traction, with prominent Republican figures such as Kari Lake and Rep. Barry Loudermilk promoting it on social media. However, the evidence supporting these claims appears to be flimsy at best.

According to Will Sommer of The Bulwark, the article relied heavily on the assertions of an obscure individual dubbed a “video sleuth,” who provided a dubious analysis lacking substantial detail, including any actual video comparison. The FBI and DOJ have yet to comment on the allegations, raising questions about the credibility of the claims.

The alleged culprit was previously a target of far-right groups, having been photographed using pepper balls against January 6 rioters and later testifying against them in court. This has sparked speculation that the story was a retaliatory attack by the far-right, further complicating the narrative.

Shortly after its publication, The Blaze was forced to correct its characterization of the woman’s role with the CIA, erroneously stating she served on the security detail for Director John Ratcliffe when she was actually a security guard. The fallout has been swift, with many right-wing outlets retracting or distancing themselves from the story, and some lawmakers, like Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, quietly deleting their tweets endorsing it.

Even prominent MAGA figures, including Julie Kelly, have criticized the article as “weak,” leading to a rift among far-right commentators. Glenn Beck, who initially promoted the claims, has since refrained from naming the accused woman, emphasizing her right to dignity and presumption of innocence.

As the fallout continues, this story serves as a critical reminder of the potential repercussions of unfounded allegations in the age of misinformation. The situation remains developing, and it is essential to monitor how the narrative evolves and what legal implications may arise for The Blaze.

Stay tuned for further updates as this situation unfolds.