Bipartisan measure condemns QAnon
WASHINGTON – Two lawmakers introduced a bipartisan measure Tuesday condemning the ring-wing conspiracy theory QAnon a week after President Donald Trump said the theory’s followers “like me very much” and QAnon-linked candidates won Republican congressional primary races across the country.
Rep. Tom Malinowski, D-N.J., and Rep. Denver Riggelman, R-Va., said the bill would make it clear it had no place in the American political mainstream.
“Conspiracy theories that falsely blame secret cabals and marginalized groups for the problems of society have long fueled prejudice, violence and terrorism,” Malinowski said.
“QAnon and the conspiracy theories it promotes are a danger and a threat that has no place in our country’s politics,” said Riggelman, who lost a Republican primary this year.
The measure would condemn QAnon; ask federal law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant against violence provoked by conspiracy theories; and urge Americans to get information from trustworthy sources.
The measure must first pass the House Judiciary Committee before it can be considered by the full House.
The QAnon conspiracy theory, which the FBI has called a domestic terrorism threat, is based on unfounded claims there is a “deep state” apparatus run by political elites, business leaders and Hollywood celebrities who are pedophiles and working against Trump.
The measure cites several incidents where QAnon adherents were linked to crimes they claimed were inspired by their beliefs, including the 2018 arrest of a man who plotted to plant a bomb in the Illinois Capitol Rotunda to raise awareness of the conspiracy theory.