'This is a lie'! MSNBC anchor's claim about who was 'swarming the state capitol in Richmond' overheats BS detectors

Doug P. | 12:59 PM on January 20, 2020

Today’s rally in Richmond, Virginia brought some media narratives crumbling to the ground, but as one MSNBC anchor proved, that doesn’t mean some will give up pushing their preferred talking points:

FAKE NEWS -> @MSNBC's @CraigMelvin who just claimed that "thousands" of "white nationalists" and "militia groups" are "swarming the state capitol in Richmond" (along with "guns rights activists") #2A #LobbyDay2020 #VirginiaRally pic.twitter.com/9cgymITqe4

— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) January 20, 2020

The full bit -> "Right now, thousands of guns rights activists, white nationalists, militia groups all swarming the state capitol in Richmond. They're protesting bills there that limit handgun purchases. The bills would also require background checks as well." #2A #LobbyDay2020

— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) January 20, 2020

“Total BS” is being called on that claim, starting with people who were actually there:

This is a lie. As someone who is at the #VirginiaRally, I can say there are not "thousands" of "white nationalists" in Richmond. https://t.co/V364sVwUVa

— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) January 20, 2020

I was covering the event all morning and call BS on this. Never once felt unsafe surrouded by participants with long guns. In fact, felt safer than usual.

This is why alternative / conservative media exists — to pick up for shortcomings of press. Full report @resurgent later https://t.co/vyo4og2Dt2

— Gabriella Hoffman (@Gabby_Hoffman) January 20, 2020

What’s the mainstream media do when reality doesn’t match their predictions? They just keep pushing the same narrative even though it’s clearly false: