Fuck I just read about that.
They weren't.
www.buzzfeednews.com
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The narrative was quickly seized upon by provocateurs. Right-wing website the Biggs Report claimed that antifa members were starting fires throughout the Pacific Northwest. “Possible ANTIFA Member Arrested For Starting Fires In Washington State,” said the post. A Washington state volunteer firefighter service linked to that story on Facebook, receiving 56 shares before the platform removed it.
At the same time, the Biggs Report, founded by a former InfoWars contributor, attempted to knock down rumors of their own, posting a second story that purported to debunk claims that members of far-right group the Proud Boys had started fires of their own. “The Boys Did Nothing Wrong!” said the story.
The group, which the FBI has labeled “
extremist” and having “ties to white nationalism,” shared both stories on its Telegram channel.
The antifa narrative was
also encouraged by a failed Republican Senate candidate in Oregon. His tweet was retweeted over 8,000 times and a screenshot of it spread on pro-Trump Instagram channels. It was also pushed by a Trump supporter affiliated with conservative nonprofit students organization Turning Point USA in Seattle. Her
tweet went viral. “These fires are allegedly linked to Antifa and the Riots,” she wrote.
The rumor has been posted to virtually every social media network, including TikTok and the anonymous messaging board 4chan.
...
Paulsen said the ordeal has spooked and shocked her. “I know these people or I know their families, and they’re treating me like I’m an outsider, even though that’s where I went to high school. That’s where my parents live,” Paulsen said. “They were writing [on Facebook], “Shoot now, ask questions later. You don’t want your house catching on fire.’”
For the record, Trumbly and Paulsen said they are not members of antifa, although they are against fascism.
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Hmm, be a shame if some kind of contagious virus that compromised lung health were to engulf the world right now wouldn't it?