Rumors of a burnt flag and the threat of possible violence in Gettysburg on July 4 are likely just a hoax – again.

This is what Snopes.com concluded after reviewing posts posted on social media and by what the fact-checking website described as far-right media.

The messages described a flag fire planned in Gettysburg on Saturday, July 4, as well as a threat of violence under cover of fireworks, Snopes reports. The messages claimed that anti-fascist groups, or Antifa, were planning a series of violent actions against white communities.

This was not the first time Antifa has been accused of making similar plans in Gettysburg. Similar rumors arose in July 2017. Although no protests took place, several hundred heavily armed individuals arrived to counter the protests and one person accidentally shot himself in the leg.

Snopes has talked a lot about the source of the latest rumors unknown, but the rumors are strewn with lies.

According to Snopes, the far right Hal Turner radio show published an article accusing Antifa of plotting to burn flags at Gettysburg National Cemetery on July 4 and of using fireworks to mask gunfire as Antifa allegedly attacked and “murdered” neighborhoods suburban whites. A Facebook post shared this theory the same day.

The source of both was a Facebook event page, presented as a “peaceful burning of the flag” by a group called Left Behind USA, which had since been disbanded by Facebook.

The Central PA Antifa group told Snopes that posting the event was a hoax.

Snopes concluded: “The rumor of violence this year around July 4 undoubtedly played on the current US reckoning on racism, while feeding on long-held fears of a backlash against whites within the United States. right movements. Based on the precedents, there was little evidence to support the idea that such events could actually take place, but they certainly put everyone on their toes once again. “

Authorities with the Borough of Gettysburg, the Township of Cumberland and the Gettysburg National Military Park said they were aware of rumors of a protest. They issued a press release last week stating:

“We have asked all concerned to call their respective law enforcement agencies to report suspicious acts or things that they believe may not be right for them. We appreciate the flow of support we receive from various groups. “

They added, “We want to assure those we serve that we are taking every precaution at our disposal to maintain the safety of all residents and visitors to the area as well as the protection of property to include businesses, homes, businesses, homes, businesses, homes and businesses. monuments, churches and other historical treasures located in the greater Gettysburg area.

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