George Floyd Protests: Rumor Roundup
Sorting fact from fiction, fast as we can.
3 June 2020 Editor's PickSnopes
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Latest Articles View all
What Is Qualified Immunity and Why Do Some Want To End It?
A once-obscure legal doctrine was the subject of protests in the aftermath of George Floyd's death while in police custody.
Trump Turns Virus Conversation Into ‘US vs. THEM’ Debate
The president appears to be calculating that he can ignite resentment toward “the other” and inspire his base to turn out for him in November.
Is This a Burnt-Out Car From Police-Brutality Protests in Minneapolis?
More than 1,500 buildings across the Twin Cities were vandalized, looted, or had doors or windows smashed in the month following George Floyd's death while in police custody.
Is This ‘I’m Sorry I’m Late. I Had a Lot To Learn’ Protest Sign Real?
The Black Lives Matter supporter told us: "I hope it lets people know that it's OK to change your opinion when you're presented with new evidence that clearly shows you were wrong."
Did Dale Earnhardt Sr. Remove Confederate Flag Sticker from Truck?
The race-car driving legend's son reportedly once relayed the story.
Did Trump Brag That He ‘Made Juneteenth Very Famous’?
In a recent interview, the president bragged that "I did something good."
NCAA Expands Ban, Joins SEC in Targeting Confederate Flag
The NCAA expanded its policy banning states with prominent Confederate symbols from hosting its sponsored events, one day after the SEC made a similar declaration aimed at the Mississippi state flag.
Navy Upholds Firing of Carrier Captain in Virus Outbreak
In a stunning reversal, the Navy has upheld the firing of the aircraft carrier captain who urged faster action to protect his crew from a coronavirus outbreak.
The Lessons of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre
More than 1,000 businesses and homes were burned to the ground, scores of black families were herded into cattle pens at the fairgrounds, and one of the largest and most prosperous black communities in the U.S. was turned to ashes.
Officer Involved in Breonna Taylor Shooting To Be Fired
Mayor Greg Fischer said interim Louisville police Chief Robert Schroeder has started termination proceedings for Officer Brett Hankison.
AMC Theaters Reverses Course on Masks After Backlash
The nation’s largest movie theater chain changed its position on mask-wearing less than a day after the company became a target on social media for saying it would defer to local governments on the issue.
Atlanta Police Call Out Sick Over Charges in Fatal Shooting
Atlanta police officers called out sick to protest the filing of murder charges against an officer who shot a man in the back, while the interim chief acknowledged members of the force feel abandoned.
Was ‘Terminator 2’ Villain Created as a Commentary on Policing?
Director James Cameron said, "The 'Terminator' films are not really about the human race getting killed off by future machines."
Did Trump Tweet a Doctored Video of a ‘Racist Baby’?
The fake video joked that the baby must be a Trump supporter.
Civil Rights Groups Call for ‘Pause’ on Facebook Ads
Several civil rights and other advocacy groups are calling on large advertisers to stop Facebook ad campaigns during July because they say the social network isn’t doing enough to curtail racist and violent content on its platform.
How Black History is Taught in Schools Faces New Scrutiny
There is no national curriculum or set of standards for teaching Black history in America. Only a small number of states, including Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Mississippi and New York, have laws requiring that it be taught in public schools.
Twitter Flags Trump’s Tweet of Doctored ‘Racist Baby’ Video
After President Trump tweeted the video, Twitter took the rare step of adding a warning saying the video is "manipulated media."
‘Chariots of Fire,’ ‘Lord of the Rings’ Actor Ian Holm Dies
A star of stage and screen, the actor played countless roles and portrayed Bilbo Baggins in the "Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" trilogies.
Did the Woman Behind Aunt Jemima Die a Millionaire?
“The available evidence suggests otherwise,” one historian told us.
Are These Claims About the Effectiveness of Face Masks True?
A widely shared Facebook post from June 2020, purportedly citing the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration, offered numerous claims but little evidence.
Most Popular View all
Background Check: Investigating George Floyd’s Criminal Record
The question of past arrests often surfaces among people who want to rationalize police officers' actions when Black men are killed in custody.
Did Pelosi Give George Floyd’s Family a US Flag Meant To Honor Vets?
The claim circulated after Floyd's brother called attention at a Congressional hearing to racism by American cops.
Is This Aracely Henriquez, the Woman George Floyd Allegedly Assaulted?
The police encounter that led to Floyd's death in Minneapolis in 2020 was centered around reports about a counterfeit $20 bill, not any of his past actions.
Did 5 Black Men Found Hanging Dead From Trees Die by Suicide?
A meme surfaced amid international protests following the death of a Black man in police custody in Minneapolis.
Did COVID-19 Kill Chuck Norris?
Norris, now 80, has been a frequent subject of hoaxes over the years.
Most Searched
Did Pelosi Give George Floyd’s Family a US Flag Meant To Honor Vets?
The claim circulated after Floyd's brother called attention at a Congressional hearing to racism by American cops.
Is This Aracely Henriquez, the Woman George Floyd Allegedly Assaulted?
The police encounter that led to Floyd's death in Minneapolis in 2020 was centered around reports about a counterfeit $20 bill, not any of his past actions.
Background Check: Investigating George Floyd’s Criminal Record
The question of past arrests often surfaces among people who want to rationalize police officers' actions when Black men are killed in custody.
Did COVID-19 Kill Chuck Norris?
Norris, now 80, has been a frequent subject of hoaxes over the years.
Were Lawn Jockeys Used as Underground Railroad Symbols?
A viral Facebook post described these common lawn ornaments as symbolic aids to escaping slaves on the Underground Railroad.