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Fact-checkers have debunked a viral social media post that falsely attributed inflammatory comments to former President Donald Trump following a fatal shooting in Minneapolis last month.
The fabricated screenshot, which began circulating on January 24, 2026, appeared to show Trump writing on Truth Social: “ONLY CRIMINALS CARRY GUNS ON OUR STREETS” in response to the killing of Alex Pretti, a Veterans Affairs ICU nurse, by Customs and Border Protection agents in Minneapolis.
The image gained significant traction after writer and podcast host Kara Swisher shared it on Threads, where it was subsequently reposted across multiple social media platforms including X and Facebook. The identical number of replies, shares, and likes appearing on all versions of the screenshot raised immediate red flags for digital forensics experts.
A thorough investigation by fact-checkers found no evidence that Trump had ever made such a statement on Truth Social or any other platform. Searches through Trump’s Truth Social account history and independent archives of his posts revealed no matching content. Additionally, no reputable news organizations had reported on such a statement from the president.
The earliest instance of the fake screenshot appears to have come from a Threads account identified as @trumpetnick80, posted on the same day as Pretti’s death. The account has a history of sharing both factual and fabricated content, according to researchers who examined its posting history.
While the quote attributed to Trump was fabricated, The Wall Street Journal did report on comments Trump made during an interview regarding the Pretti shooting. According to the newspaper, Trump said: “I don’t like it when somebody goes into a protest, and he’s got a very powerful, fully loaded gun with two magazines loaded up with bullets also. That doesn’t play good either.”
The Pretti shooting has heightened tensions in Minneapolis, coming just weeks after another controversial incident on January 7, when an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shot Renee Nicole Good in the city. Both incidents have sparked protests and calls for greater scrutiny of federal law enforcement operations in urban areas.
CNN analysis of videos from the Pretti shooting appeared to show that federal officers had taken a gun away from Pretti just before the fatal shooting occurred, adding another layer of complexity to the developing story.
The circulation of the fake Trump quote highlights the ongoing challenge of misinformation on social media platforms, particularly during politically charged events. Digital literacy experts note that identical metrics across multiple screenshots is often a telltale sign of fabricated content, as authentic posts would accumulate different engagement numbers over time.
The Trump administration has stated it is “reviewing everything” about the Minneapolis shooting, according to The Wall Street Journal, but has not issued any formal policy changes regarding federal law enforcement operations in the wake of these incidents.
Media watchdogs emphasize the importance of verifying information from official sources, especially when attributed quotes seem designed to inflame tensions during crisis events. The fabricated post appears to be part of a broader pattern of misinformation surrounding both the Pretti and Good shootings, with fact-checkers having already addressed multiple false claims about the circumstances of these incidents.
As investigations into both shootings continue, authorities have called for patience as evidence is gathered and analyzed to determine the full circumstances surrounding these tragic events.
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8 Comments
This is a valuable reminder that even high-profile figures can be the subject of fabricated quotes or statements. Maintaining a healthy skepticism and verifying information is key to combating the proliferation of disinformation.
This is an important fact check. Verifying the accuracy of online claims, especially those attributed to public figures, is crucial to prevent the spread of misinformation. I appreciate the diligence of the fact-checkers in this case.
Given the heated political climate and emotional nature of these issues, it’s not surprising to see false narratives emerge. But responsible journalism and diligent fact-checking are critical to counter the spread of misinformation.
While I understand the public’s desire for information and commentary on current events, it’s important that we rely on verified, factual sources. This fact check demonstrates the importance of scrutinizing claims before sharing or amplifying them.
Agreed. The ease with which misinformation can spread online underscores the need for all of us to be cautious consumers of information and to actively fact-check before forming opinions or drawing conclusions.
The details provided in this fact check are thorough and convincing. I’m glad to see the disinformation commission taking a proactive role in addressing the proliferation of fabricated content online.
Fabricated screenshots and false quotes can gain alarming traction on social media. It’s good to see disinformation being swiftly debunked through thorough investigation and fact-checking. This helps maintain trust in our information ecosystem.
Absolutely. Rigorous verification of sources and content is essential, especially for sensitive topics like gun control and use of force. Fact-checking helps combat the erosion of truth that can occur online.