The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore ignites a firestorm of conspiracy theories online, with far-right figures framing the incident as a ‘black swan event,’ while politicians spar over implications for Biden’s infrastructure policies.
The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore has sparked a diverse reaction across the political and online spectrum. Online conspiracy theorists, including far-right figures like Gen Mike Flynn and Andrew Tate, have labeled the incident a “black swan event,” a term that originally denoted unpredictability but has since been appropriated by some to suggest covert agendas or nefarious plots. Despite official statements dismissing any terrorism links to the collapse, which resulted in the presumed death of six construction workers, speculation and theorizing continue to swirl in certain internet circles.
The concept of a “black swan event” has gained traction on social media following the event, with some trying to connect it to broader deep state narratives or suggesting it was a deliberate act. This has occurred in an already contentious election year, leading to concerns about the impact of such theories on public discourse and perceptions.
In a parallel development, some Republicans have been criticized for attempting to politicize the tragedy by linking it to President Joe Biden’s infrastructure policies. South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace faced backlash for her comments on the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure deal, with critics arguing that she inaccurately portrayed the allocation of funds under the bill. The discussion has extended to other figures within the party, with some condemned for attempting to use the incident to score political points against the Biden administration, despite there being no evidence to suggest any direct link between the bridge’s collapse and the infrastructure bill or an intentional attack.
Officials, including the FBI and Maryland Governor Wes Moore, have reiterated that there is no evidence of terrorism. The bridge collapsed after being struck by a cargo ship, leading to a tragic loss of life and raising concerns about the ramifications for supply chains and the cost and complexity of the rebuilding process. Amidst this, the story has become a focal point of intense political debate and rampant online speculation, highlighting the polarized nature of current public discourse.
