The groundwork for the attack on the U.S. Capitol had been laid for weeks, say experts on extremism and social media but it was a surprise when this time, the rhetoric turned into real violence.
Trump is in danger of losing his powerful social media machine
After four years of using social media platforms to bypass traditional media and spread his message directly to millions of people, President Donald Trump is now as close as he’s ever been to losing his digital bully pulpit.
On Thursday, Facebook and Instagram banned Trump’s account from posting for at least the remainder of his term in office and perhaps “indefinitely” in the wake of the riot on the US Capitol. Other large platforms, including Twitch and Snapchat, also blocked the president’s account. And e-commerce platform Shopify shut down shops run by the Trump campaign and the Trump Organization.
CBS News
Some Capitol rioters identified as misinformation spawns new conspiracy theories
As the investigation into the Capitol Hill riot intensifies, officials are working to identify the individuals behind it.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation launched a website to collect tips and digital media relating to the riots. The agency has received over 4,000 tips on its website.
Misinformation about who was behind the violence has spawned new conspiracy theories, in an attempt to shift blame. Those theories have reached several President Trump supporters who attended Wednesday s rally.
Shortly after President Trump encouraged supporters to march to the Capitol, some decided to march a little farther and cause destruction to the federal building.