Right wing runs wild with Fox News and CBN reports on dubious Fort Jackson "terror" plot
February 19, 2010 2:15 pm ET — 22 Comments
Right-wing media seized on Fox News and Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN) reports and claimed that in December "five Muslim soldiers" were "arrested for trying to poison the food supply at Fort Jackson," often while fearmongering about a "jihadist" plot against the base or speculating that the delay in reporting on the allegations was due to a "Fort Jackson cover-up." The right wing has made these claims despite the fact that military officials have said "there is currently no credible evidence to substantiate the allegations."
Fort Jackson spokesman: "Two months of investigation, there has been no credible evidence to support the allegations." A February 18 press release from the Fort Jackson Public Affairs Office states:
In December 2009, five Soldiers were investigated for potential verbal threats against fellow Soldiers. While the investigation continues there is currently no credible evidence to substantiate the allegations. At no time was there any danger to the Fort Jackson community.
ArmyTimes reported on February 19 that Fort Jackson spokesman Patrick Jones said, "Two months of investigation, there has been no credible evidence to support the allegations."
