Fake News and Its Consequences
The fake news culture is once again out of control. Shortly after the attempted assassination of former President of the United States, Donald Trump, rumors spread on social media about the identity of the shooter. The incident took place during an election rally in Pennsylvania, where Trump was speaking. Although the American authorities have maintained a blackout on the matter, it was claimed on social media that Mark Violets, an 'Antifa' activist, was the failed assassin. However, there is no evidence to support this claim.
Innocent Victim of Misinformation
Unfortunately, the rumor led to the harassment of a completely different person, Italian sports commentator Marco Violi, who independently covers the Roma soccer team. The similar names made Violi, a resident of Rome, an immediate suspect in the eyes of angry social media users, even though he was at home in Italy at the time of the incident. 'They turned me into a monster,' complained Violi, who had to deny the accusations on social media, stating, 'The news that is being spread about me is without any foundation and is organized by a bunch of haters who are trying to destroy my life. These are stalkers and harassers.'
Violi woke up in the middle of the night to a barrage of messages on Instagram and Twitter. 'I am in Rome, and I had no idea what happened until I turned on the TV and saw the reports,' wrote Violi. He emphasized that the news being spread about him is baseless and organized by individuals trying to ruin his life. 'I have nothing to add. I will soon file a complaint against all the users who defamed me and spread this fake news on social networks. I have been a journalist since 2006, and I implore everyone to do minimal background checks before presenting me as a monster. Leave me alone, because I am simply the victim of a criminal plot.'
In the United States, the identity of the actual suspect remains unknown. Trump was shot in the area of his right ear during the election rally in Butler County, Pennsylvania. He was recorded being evacuated from the scene with blood on his face and was taken to a nearby hospital, from which he was released shortly afterward. The authorities have launched an investigation, but at this stage, the identities of the suspects are still unknown.
