Fact Check: DNC Did Not Dye Chicago River Red for Abortion Rights

Recent social media posts claiming that the Democratic National Convention (DNC) dyed the Chicago River red to celebrate abortion rights have been proven false. The claims, which circulated during the DNC held in Chicago from August 19-22, 2024, were accompanied by an edited image that originated from a satirical source.

The viral image, showing a red-tinted Chicago River, was shared with captions such as "BREAKING: The DNC dyes Chicago River red to celebrate abortion." However, this image is a manipulated version of a still from a CBS News video dated March 16, 2024, which depicted the annual tradition of dyeing the river green for St. Patrick's Day.

Democratic National Committee officials have categorically denied these claims. The DNC 2024 Joint Information Center stated, "The Chicago River has not been dyed red and there is no official plan to do so." They emphasized that any images displaying a red river should not be considered credible.

Fact-checkers verified the river's actual color using a live weather camera feed available on the Fox 10 Phoenix website. As of August 20, 2024, the Chicago River maintained its natural color, with no signs of red dye.

The edited image was traced back to an article published on August 19, 2024, by the Babylon Bee, a website that describes itself as "the world's best satire site." This origin confirms the fabricated nature of the claim.

While the river dyeing claim is false, other events did occur during the convention period. On August 19, pro-abortion rights demonstrators held a rally in Chicago, as reported by the Chicago Tribune. However, this event was unrelated to any river dyeing activities.

It's worth noting that the Chicago River does have a history of being dyed, but only for St. Patrick's Day celebrations. This tradition, which began in 1962, involves dyeing the river green using an eco-friendly, vegetable-based powder. The annual event attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators and has become an integral part of Chicago's cultural identity.

The Chicago River itself has a rich history and ecological significance. Once heavily polluted, it has undergone significant improvements and now supports over 70 species of fish. The river system, consisting of three branches totaling approximately 156 miles in length, played a crucial role in Chicago's development as a major transportation hub.

In conclusion, the claim of the DNC dyeing the Chicago River red is a clear example of misinformation spread through social media. It underscores the importance of critical thinking and fact-checking in the digital age, especially during significant political events like national conventions.

"The Chicago River has not been dyed red and there is no official plan to do so. Any images being shared displaying a red river should not be considered credible."

This incident serves as a reminder of the power of visual manipulation and the need for vigilance in verifying information before sharing it on social platforms.