Debunked: 2024 DNC Brick Placement Claims Use Old Footage
Social media posts falsely claim bricks were placed near the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Fact-checkers reveal the image and video are from 2020 protests, unrelated to the current event.
Recent social media posts have falsely claimed that bricks were strategically placed near the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago to encourage protests. However, fact-checkers have revealed that these claims are based on miscaptioned images and videos from 2020.
The posts in question feature an image of brick pallets and a video purportedly showing bricks being delivered in Chicago. However, Reuters Fact Check team has determined that both pieces of content are unrelated to the current DNC event.
The image, which has been circulating since May 31, 2020, actually depicts a parking lot in Dallas, Texas, not Chicago. It gained traction during the widespread protests following George Floyd's death, which sparked nationwide demonstrations for racial justice and civil rights.
Similarly, the video claimed to show bricks being delivered in Chicago in August 2024. In reality, this footage was first shared on TikTok on June 5, 2020, and was taken outside Ascension Saint Elizabeth Hospital in Chicago.
These misrepresentations highlight the persistent issue of misinformation on social media platforms. It's worth noting that:
- The DNC has been held in Chicago 11 times, more than any other city.
- The 2024 DNC is scheduled for August 19-22, 2024.
- Fact-checking has become crucial in combating the spread of false information.
"These bricks were apparently just removed from an area where protests are to occur this week in Chicago near the DNC. Interesting how bricks are always carefully placed around ANTIFA 'protests' coughcough riots."
This quote from the August 18 Facebook post exemplifies how misinformation can spread rapidly, especially during times of political tension. It's important for users to verify information before sharing and to be aware that old content is often repurposed to fit current narratives.
The misuse of these materials isn't new. In 2021, the same Dallas image was falsely linked to events in Wisconsin, demonstrating how such content can be recycled across different contexts and locations.
As social media continues to play a significant role in information dissemination, the importance of critical thinking and fact-checking cannot be overstated. Users are encouraged to consult reliable sources and fact-checking organizations before sharing potentially misleading content.
