This past Saturday, one U.S. Senate candidate, Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. John Fetterman (D), made the claim that signage that was promoting his campaign was set ablaze in a Republican area of the state.
The social media post from Fetterman, which included a picture of the alleged incident, took place after he stumbled his way through the first and only debate he took part in against Dr. Mehmet Oz, his Republican challenger, prior to the coming midterm elections.
“This happened last night on a farm in deep red Lawrence County,” stated Fetterman via social media. “There is no place for violence and intimidation in politics. Our campaign is about bringing people together and rejecting hate + extremism. All Pennsylvanians should feel safe to show their political support.”
This happened last night on a farm in deep red Lawrence County.
There is no place for violence and intimidation in politics.
Our campaign is about bringing people together and rejecting hate + extremism.
All Pennsylvanians should feel safe to show their political support. pic.twitter.com/AIihG37bt4
— John Fetterman (@JohnFetterman) October 29, 2022
However, there have been no reports immediately given that have confirmed the claim from the Fetterman campaign, and the local news outlets fully ignored the story altogether.
Fetterman even tried to utilize the alleged incident in an effort to fundraise.
Many critics on the web questioned the truth behind the claims, seemingly suggesting that the entire thing might just not be real at all.
- Jim Treacher, blogger: “Who took this photo? Have you alerted the appropriate authorities about this crime? If not, why not?”
- Jazz Shaw, Hot Air: “Incredible how you (or someone) managed to perfectly catch the sign in mid-burn with a camera at close range but nobody got a look at the perpetrator? What are the odds? Just amazing luck on your part, I guess.”
- Wilfred Reilly, professor: “It’s legit crazy how a professional photographer showed up just in time to get this perfect picture of the burning sign.”
- Kurt Schlichter, attorney and columnist: “Lucky they were there with a camera right?”
- Stephen L. Miller, podcast host: “They are losing and everyone sees what they are doing.”
- Sean Davis, CEO and co-founder of The Federalist: “Congrats on setting your own sign on fire. Reminds me of your debate.”
- Joe Concha, media analyst: “This is beyond staged. The desperation is real.”
- Matt Wolking, political strategist: “This is a fiery but mostly peaceful protest (that you staged).”
- Chris Barron, political strategist: “There are Oz signs ripped up and torn down EVERY single day. Your campaign should be talking to your own supporters rather than pushing this obvious hoax.”