Two weeks ago we discussed the story of Comet Ping Pong, a pizzeria in Washington D.C. that, according to fake news conspiracy theories, is actually the headquarters of a pedophile ring run by Hillary Clinton and her former campaign chairman John Podesta.
The election is over but this fake news story isn't. A man armed with an assault rifle walked into Comet Ping Pong yesterday to “self-investigate” the restaurant.
Police said 28-year-old Edgar Maddison Welch, of Salisbury, N.C., walked in the front door of Comet Ping Pong and pointed a firearm in the direction of a restaurant employee. The employee was able to flee and notify police. Police said Welch proceeded to discharge the rifle inside the restaurant; they think that all other occupants had fled when Welch began shooting.
Welch was also in possession of a handgun, a shotgun, and a knife according to police.
In my layman's opinion, I believe the owner of Comet Ping Pong should take legal action against websites and social media platforms that refuse to remove libelous stories that have led to tangible threats to life and property. Employees and customers could have been killed yesterday.
It's obvious this fake story isn't going away and the only way to stop it from going any further than it already has may be through aggressive litigation.