Misrepresented Video Sparks False Claims of US Military Preparing for Civil War
A video falsely claiming to show US troops preparing for a civil war ahead of the 2024 presidential election has been debunked by multiple fact-checking organizations.
- The video, circulating online, was actually taken in January 2021 during heightened security for President Joe Biden's inauguration.
- Over 20,000 National Guard members were deployed in Washington D.C. following the January 6 attack on the Capitol.
- Fact-checkers have confirmed the footage is over three years old and unrelated to any current military preparations for civil unrest.
- Misinterpretations of the video have led to unfounded rumors of martial law and a forthcoming civil war.
- The claims have been widely shared on social media platforms, including X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook, despite being debunked.
USA TODAY 
Lead Stories 
