LAPD ‘14188’ Badge Number Controversy
In July 2020, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) apparently deleted a long-published “LAPD Badge Description” page because 14188 was its example number.
July 2020
Videos of Lynching Threat in Monroe County, Indiana Goes Viral on Facebook
Vauhxx Booker uploaded three distressing clips to Facebook after a July 4 2020 incident at Monroe Lake; local authorities say they are investigating.
Is This a Real Listing for an Anti-Semitic Trump Face Mask?
A screenshot of a purported Trump-themed, swastika-like mask sold on Amazon circulated on social media in July 2020.
‘This is the Beach Today in Raleigh, NC! Covid is Never Going Away!’
Screenshots of a Facebook post purportedly showing a crowded beach in North Carolina appeared along with laments about failure to implement social distancing.
Did Black Lives Matter Members Attack a Man While Protesting a Statue of Louis IX?
Far-right disinformation purveyors tried to associate the movement with an incident at a St. Louis protest.
Is This ‘America First’ Trump 2020 Shirt Real?
Images of a purported Trump 2020 shirt reminded some social media users of a common Nazi symbol.
‘In Case You’re Wondering What Utter, Abject Failure Looks Like’: Are These USA, France, Italy, and Spain COVID-19 Charts?
A quartet of purported COVID-19 charts — the USA, France, Italy, and Spain — are spreading sourcelessly across social media.
Does ‘Qabalista’ by Selki Girl Trigger ‘Out-of-Body Experiences’?
Although the very existence of “astral projection” or out-of-body experiences is debated, TikTok’s #Witchtok swears Selki Girl’s Qabalista induces or triggers the experience.
Is Antifa Renting U-Hauls to Infiltrate ‘Residential Neighborhoods’?
A virulent strain of disinformation about “antifa” renting moving trucks in order to invade “residential areas” appeared to be sparked by white supremacists posting as anti-fascists.
‘1979 Horoscope, I Am F***ing Begging You to Read This’
In late June and early July 2020, a purported “1979 horoscope” captivated Facebook, Twitter, and Reddit.