Thomas Crooks, a would-be presidential assassin, was shot dead at the scene with no clear motive. Witnesses had warned police to no avail, and videos from various angles were taken of the incident. In the aftermath, numerous conspiracy theories emerged, each more complex than the last. One theory suggested there were two shooters, another claimed there were four shooters, and a third asserted there were three shooters involved in the attempt on Trump’s life.
Popular conspiracists seem to broadly agree that the assassination attempt was an inside job orchestrated by the deep state, but there is no consensus on the number of shooters or whether law enforcement agencies were complicit. While the FBI’s ongoing investigation has found no evidence of Crooks having accomplices, various influencers and organizations have pointed fingers at different entities, including the CIA and the FBI.
The birth of new and enduring conspiracy theories, such as the Thomas Crooks incident, reflects how individuals interpret events through their existing worldview. Conspiracy theories about the secret actions of powerful elites are not baseless, as evidenced by past government cover-ups and clandestine operations. The social memory of political murders and government secrecy in the 1960s continues to shape public understanding of current events and influences collective sense-making.
Some individuals believe that government agencies like the CIA are capable of concealing facts and manipulating events to suit their agenda. The CIA’s history of programs like MKUltra, which involved mind control experiments, contributes to public skepticism and fuels conspiracy theories. The lack of transparency and official secrecy within government institutions further exacerbates public distrust and encourages conspiratorial thinking.
Addressing conspiracy theories and restoring public trust in government institutions requires ending practices of official secrecy and promoting transparency. By dismantling systems of secrecy, government and law enforcement agencies can combat conspiracy theorizing and foster greater public confidence in their actions and decisions. It is essential for those in positions of power to recognize the consequences of secrecy and prioritize openness and accountability in their operations.
While social media has made it easier to observe the spread of conspiracy theories, it does not necessarily mean that they are more prevalent or persuasive. Most academics and reporters who study conspiracy theories do not find them convincing, and the real concern lies in powerful individuals who promote and believe in these theories. By scrutinizing the influence of conspiracy theorists in positions of leadership and media influence, we can better understand how these ideas shape political discourse and decision-making processes.