Thread by @SethAbramson

(🔐) PROOF: "The Story Behind the 'Ray Epps' Conspiracy Theory Now Burning Through Congress and Far-Right Social Media"

This is both absolutely unbelievable *and* absolutely believable. The depths insurrectionists sink to to cover their trail are amazing. sethabramson.substack.com/p/the-story-be…

1/ The key point here is that Ray Epps was *chosen*—he was selected to be the target of this conspiracy theory, and *not* for the reasons the insurrectionists say. (This is why the conspiracy theory makes no sense; it started with a need to "get" Epps, not any coherent evidence.)

2/ The reason the *intent* behind the "Ray Epps" conspiracy theory has to be understood is that otherwise it will seem like the insurrectionists—and those among their leaders in Congress who are now parroting the theory in hearings—are merely delusional. No, it's worse than that.

3/ I don't say this in the PROOF report above, as it's more a matter of opinion and belief than—at this point—hard evidence, but I don't think any insurrectionist *hates* the idea of endangering the life of a man who could end up being a powerful witness against the insurrection.

4/ And that's why this PROOF report asks—and answers, with reliable evidence—the main question: "Why has a Trump supporter from Arizona, who is a veteran and a political conservative, suddenly being targeted this way? And in public hearings in *Congress*, no less?"

Now we know.

5/ But there's a bigger point to be made here. As the House January 6 Committee closes in on Trump and his inner circle, we'll see more such disinformation—that endangers folks' lives—not just amidst the insurrectionist rank-and-file, but among their leaders.

This will get ugly.

VIDEO/ In case you're wondering what this is about, see the video below—one of the most disgraceful performances by a U.S. senator in recent living memory (and my God that's saying something).

{Note: Source used for video only, and not endorsed by PROOF.}

VIDEO2/ Update: I've now added a video clip of the Epps-Gionet conversation—which occurred just prior to the Trumpist riot at Black Lives Matter Plaza on Insurrection Eve—to the article (while issuing a warning about its source that I know readers will understand and appreciate).