Right-Wing Outlet Faces Mammoth Libel Risk Over Jan. 6 Claims

UPDATE: A right-wing media outlet, The Blaze, is facing serious scrutiny and potential legal action following its controversial claims regarding the January 6 attack. The outlet suggested that a female CIA employee, previously affiliated with the Capitol Police, was responsible for planting pipe bombs at the Democratic and Republican National Committee headquarters.

The story, which gained traction just days ago, has quickly unraveled, prompting fears of a mammoth libel lawsuit, according to Will Sommer of The Bulwark. “The article’s claims seemed like the first major development in a mystery that has befuddled Washington for years,” Sommer noted, emphasizing how it was rapidly amplified by prominent Republican figures, including Kari Lake and Barry Loudermilk, chair of the House’s January 6 subcommittee.

However, the evidence presented by The Blaze is increasingly seen as shaky. The outlet claims to have employed “gait analysis” from an unnamed “video sleuth” on social media, yet it has not released any supporting video footage or substantial details. This raises immediate questions about the credibility of the claims. Critics point out that the term “gait analysis” lacks scientific backing, and both the Department of Justice and the FBI have refused to comment on the allegations.

Moreover, the woman identified in the article, a security guard, has already been a target of far-right criticism. She was photographed deploying pepper balls against January 6 rioters and has testified against several participants in court. This context has led to speculation that the claims against her are politically motivated retaliation.

Further complicating matters, The Blaze issued corrections shortly after publication, inaccurately describing her role at the CIA as a security detail for Director John Ratcliffe, when she is actually a security guard. The fallout from the article has been swift; major right-wing outlets are now hesitating to share the story, and several lawmakers have quietly deleted their endorsements.

The backlash has sparked a rift within the far-right media community. Prominent figure Julie Kelly criticized the article as “weak,” igniting a civil war among commentators, some accusing her of trying to deflect attention to collect the FBI’s $500,000 bounty. Notably, Glenn Beck, who initially supported the story, has since refrained from naming the accused, stating, “This person of interest is still a citizen whose life carries the same dignity and presumption of innocence as yours and mine.”

As the situation develops, the implications of The Blaze’s article could lead to significant legal consequences and further divisions within right-wing media. The uncertainty surrounding the claims highlights the ongoing tensions and complexities related to the January 6 incident, drawing national attention and scrutiny.

Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.