Why do media consistently obfuscate terrorist attacks

Sunday, March 15, 2026

Two teenagers, shouting "Allahu Akbar," threw homemade explosives at anti-Muslim protesters near the mayor of New York City's residence. Thankfully, the bombs didn't explode as intended, and the two were arrested and charged with attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction and providing material support to terrorists. Reporters and law enforcement quickly found that the two had very publicly supported ISIS and had carried out the act of terrorism in the Islamic terrorist group's name.

Posted by BellRinger at 11:18 AM | 47 COMMENTS | permalink | Comment on This Entry |

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That kind of tidy, to-the-point framing, apparently, was lost on the legacy media this week. Rather than report the obvious facts, outlets tied themselves in knots to muddy the waters about what had been thrown, and by whom. NBC News called the IEDs merely "suspicious devices" thrown "during [an] anti-Islam rally." CBS reported that "suspicious devices ignited during protests near Manhattan's Gracie Mansion." The New York Times published an all-timer of a headline, "Smoking Jars of Metal and Fuses Thrown at Protest Near Mayor's House."

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Of the 4 recent attacks the author didn't even delve into all of them. This piece could have and should have been quite a bit longer.

#1 | Posted by BellRinger at 2026-03-15 11:19 AM | Reply

Patricide Jeff's child-raping hero blows up schools for fun.

#2 | Posted by reinheitsgebot at 2026-03-15 11:33 AM | Reply

It's ok when we slaughter 150 innocent girls because our pedophile "president" is a demented old fool.

#3 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2026-03-15 11:47 AM | Reply

I was kinda shocked at the NYC terrorist throwing the bomb..... How they spun it on a few CNN shows he was attempting to harm Mamdami.

Incredible when this is the image ..

There was a thread where they interviewed NYers and they all said anti-muslim protestor threw the bomb.

Amazing brainwashing.

#4 | Posted by oneironaut at 2026-03-15 11:50 AM | Reply

---- off you worthless little bitch

#5 | Posted by LegallyYourDead at 2026-03-15 11:52 AM | Reply

jeff bravely comes out against terrorist attacks

Jeff supports Piggy unapologetically blowing up school girls

#6 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-03-15 12:05 PM | Reply

A weapon of mass destruction (WMD) is a nuclear, biological, chemical, radiological, or other device intended to kill or injure large numbers of people and cause significant damage to infrastructure or the environment. They are characterized by their ability to produce high-casualty events, unlike conventional weapons.

Can jeff explain how a handmade hand grenade is a WMD

#7 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-03-15 12:07 PM | Reply

Can jeff explain how a handmade hand grenade is a WMD

It's the Muslim looking guy holding it.

#8 | Posted by REDIAL at 2026-03-15 12:09 PM | Reply

"Can jeff explain how a handmade hand grenade is a WMD
#7 | Posted by truthhurts"

Here you go:

18 U.S.C. 2332a
(2) the term "weapon of mass destruction" means:
(A) any destructive device as defined in section 921 of this title; [...]

18 U.S.C. 921
(4) The term "destructive device" means"
(A) any explosive, incendiary, or poison gas"
(i) bomb,
(ii) grenade [...]
www.schneier.com

#9 | Posted by censored at 2026-03-15 01:05 PM | Reply

And BellRinger is spot on with the title: "Why do media consistently obfuscate terrorist attacks." The media made it sound like the attack was against Muslims, even though it was perpetrated by Muslims against others.

As posted here on The Retort by one of our Jihadist-in-residence posters, misleading title and all:

2 in Custody After anti-Islam Protest outside NYC Mayor's Residence
The anti-Islam protest was led by right-wing influencer Jake Lang. Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his wife are safe, his press secretary said.
Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 10:32 PM | 42 COMMENTS | permalink

#10 | Posted by censored at 2026-03-15 01:45 PM | Reply

And a photograph of the grenade to help TruthHurts understand why a grenade is a WMD. Those nuts and bolts are shrapnel, intended to kill many.

Two ISIS Supporters Charged with Attempting to Detonate Explosive Devices During Protests Outside Gracie Mansion
justice.gov

#11 | Posted by censored at 2026-03-15 01:54 PM | Reply

Yet the US and Israel are using WMDs every day on Iran and no one says anything.

#12 | Posted by REDIAL at 2026-03-15 01:58 PM | Reply

Yet the US and Israel are using WMDs every day on Iran and no one says anything.
#12 | Posted by REDIAL

Warfare is a different context (with different rules than what the terrorists here did, similar to the Muslim terrorist Boston Marathon bombers using pressure cookers to kill a few and and maim over 250). But even if they were the same guidelines, I'm pretty sure I hear plenty of people saying much regarding US/Israel use of WMDs.

Too bad many of the complainers didn't put those entirely predictable concerns into action a little over a year a ago when it actually would have mattered during the election.

Jill Stein 2028!

#13 | Posted by censored at 2026-03-15 02:09 PM | Reply

Warfare is a different context

--------.

#14 | Posted by REDIAL at 2026-03-15 02:18 PM | Reply

> Warfare is a different context

[Bullsheet].
#14 | Posted by REDIAL

You don't think firing a mortar at someone invading your nation to slaughter your people is different from chucking that same mortar into a civilian crowd gathered to watch a marathon?

Well I certainly won't be able to convince you otherwise.

But as I said, there is no shortage of people taking issue with US/Israel's use of WMDs. But almost no report on these Muslims who did so at Gracie Mansion. Which was BellRinger's point.

#15 | Posted by censored at 2026-03-15 02:53 PM | Reply

Which was BellRinger's point.
#15 | POSTED BY CENSORED

Islamophobia really brought the two of you together.

You must be so proud of Trump, putting Israel's wants ahead of America's needs.

#16 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-03-15 02:57 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

I certainly won't be able to convince you otherwise.

Have you tried posting "Jill Stein 2028!" yet?

If so, you're probably out of things to post.

#17 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-03-15 02:58 PM | Reply

no shortage of people taking issue with US/Israel's use of WMDs.

So we agree they are using WMDs in Iran. Good.

#18 | Posted by REDIAL at 2026-03-15 02:59 PM | Reply

So we agree they are using WMDs in Iran. Good.
#18 | Posted by REDIAL

The weapons being used would be WMD under the USC criminal (civilian) code cited in #19. Those aren't the same definitions used for armed conflict, though. You can read more about it and the varying meanings here:

Weapon of mass destruction: Criminal (civilian) definition
en.wikipedia.org

Weapon of mass destruction: Military Definition
en.wikipedia.org

#19 | Posted by censored at 2026-03-15 03:09 PM | Reply

Let me summarize.

If we use WMDs, good.

If other nations use WMDs, bad.

Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk.

"Netanyahu 2028! - he's gonna win regardless which party wins!"

#20 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-03-15 03:16 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Ok... a handheld gunpowder bomb with some sheet metal screws stuck to it is a WMD, but a 2,000 pound aerial bomb isn't. Good to know.

#21 | Posted by REDIAL at 2026-03-15 03:16 PM | Reply

Domestic Terrorism is a real and dangerous aspect of living in America mostly due to Deplorable Trumping MAGA having unlimited access to firearms and immediately resorting to violence to solve their problems.

Meanwhile.

BullBringer is "really concerned" about this one incident, mostly as a result of the Islamophobia rightwing media has instilled in him.

But, if you were to ask him how many mass shootings there have been in America since January 1st, 2026, he wouldn't be able to tell you. Nor does he care about the people killed by them. (Thoughts and prayers!)

He's a dumb reactionary who wakes up to republican propaganda, every day.

#22 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-03-15 03:23 PM | Reply

Islamophobia really brought the two of you together.
You must be so proud of Trumpf, putting Israel's wants ahead of America's needs.

#16 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-03-15 02:57 PM | Reply | Flag: Spot on

"Dear American Taxpayer:

How's your healthcare system coming along? We have world class universal healthcare in Israel. You all have the BBB.

So, thanks for the billion of shekels all these years.

We put them to good use taking care of our own citizens while cleansing our country of filthy Palestinians.

Now we are happily bombing more Muslims in Iran and Lebanon while despoiling the environment which your president thinks is fun.

Keep up the good work in Congress for us, Chuck, Hakeem, and AIPAC.

Signed,

Bibi"

thearabweekly.com

#23 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2026-03-15 03:23 PM | Reply

Ok... a handheld gunpowder bomb with some sheet metal screws stuck to it is a WMD, but a 2,000 pound aerial bomb isn't. Good to know.
#21 | Posted by REDIAL

Depending on the context, yes. Not really that complicated, despite your best attempts to misunderstand.

Civilians can be punished under our laws for using devices that combatants in armed combat (on either side) will not be punished for using.

#24 | Posted by censored at 2026-03-15 03:26 PM | Reply

how many mass shootings there have been in America

Is an AR-15 clone a WMD?

#25 | Posted by REDIAL at 2026-03-15 03:26 PM | Reply

@20: AIPAC backs all but one potential 2028 POTUS candidate from both parties: www.trackaipac.com

"Netanyahu in 2028" sounds about right, Clownshack.

#26 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2026-03-15 03:28 PM | Reply

Depending on the context, yes.

How about the context where the imbecile dropping the aerial bombs say's there isn't a war?

#27 | Posted by REDIAL at 2026-03-15 03:29 PM | Reply

How about the context where the imbecile dropping the aerial bombs say's there isn't a war?
#27 | Posted by REDIAL

No idea since I haven't looked into it. But given the number of times our soldiers have killed and maimed during "not wars" with zero criminal or civil ramifications, I'm going to hazard "not a WMD."

#28 | Posted by censored at 2026-03-15 03:32 PM | Reply

Warfare is a different context
#13 | Posted by censored

We're not at war, Hasbara.

#29 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-03-15 04:55 PM | Reply

We're Netanyahu's henchmen.

#30 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-03-15 05:23 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

We're Netanyahu's henchmen and financial supporters.
#30 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-03-15 05:23 PM | Reply | Flag: See my thread on IDF atrocities with US-funded arms

US Midterm Elections are on Tuesday 3 Nov 2026

#31 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2026-03-15 05:37 PM | Reply

The issue I am trying to raise is how serially dishonest the MSM is in covering these attacks.

#32 | Posted by BellRinger at 2026-03-15 05:39 PM | Reply

The issue I am trying to raise is how serially dishonest the MSM is in covering these attacks.
#32 | Posted by BellRinger

How big were these attacks, what's the death toll?
What else should they be covering?

#33 | Posted by snoofy at 2026-03-15 05:42 PM | Reply

Jeff bravely takes a stand against the MSM taking a conservative approach to reporting

Jeff supports his government threatening news companies over article headlines

#34 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-03-15 05:49 PM | Reply

What should the media be covering?

Definitely not Trump attacking blue states with ICE.

Definitely not the daily mass shootings that occur in America.

Definitely not the Epstein files.

Definitely not Trump's metal and physical decline.

Definitely not Trump monetizing the executive branch.

Focus on minorities, immigrants and Muslims.

#35 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-03-15 05:49 PM | Reply

How about honest reporting about the US starting a war of aggression?

How about honest reporting about the lack of honest information regarding casualties?

How about honest reporting regarding the corruption at the center of the decision to start a war?

How about honest reporting about the military fiasco that is unfolding?

How about honest reporting about the economic abyss that Trump is pushing us into?

How about honest reporting about the censorship our and our ally's government is conducting?

How about honest reporting about the media kicked out of the pentagon?

Nah war porn, stories about shoes and touting pentagon talking points is fine.

#36 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-03-15 05:53 PM | Reply

How about this?

Why don't our media, all of them, put a full court press on the WH and Pentagon to explain why the fuck we are in this war and what we are trying to achieve?

How about that for a start?

#37 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-03-15 05:54 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

We're in this war because Netanyahu has a copy of the Epstein files and threatened Trump to release it.

Trump is the weakest, most compromised president in American history.

#38 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-03-15 05:56 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

We're in this war because Netanyahu has a copy of the Epstein files and threatened Trumpf to release it.
Trump is the weakest, most compromised president in American history.

#38 | Posted by ClownShack at 2026-03-15 05:56 PM | Reply | Flag: US midterm elections are on Tuesday 3 Nov 2026

The Kompromat the Mossad and FSB Have on Dummkopf Trumpf Must Be Staggering

#39 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2026-03-15 06:05 PM | Reply

AIPAC Owns Dummkopf Trumpf Head to Toe

#40 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2026-03-15 06:08 PM | Reply

The issue I am trying to raise is how serially dishonest the MSM is in covering these attacks.

#32 | Posted by BellRinger

Maybe you should first try to address your own serial dishonesty?

#41 | Posted by johnny_hotsauce at 2026-03-15 06:50 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 2

The Kompromat the Mossad and FSB Have on Dummkopf Trumpf Must Be Staggering

#39 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS

Trump is so deranged as to be above any such embarrassment at this point. Nor do his supporters care. Does it matter anymore?

The White House staff probably have many additional, less perverted, and more disgusting stories to tell.

#42 | Posted by Dbt2 at 2026-03-15 07:06 PM | Reply

Hi DBT2

You're right.

Trumpf is incapable of embarrassment or humility, as are his followers.

Entering Trumpf's orbit is Faustian and nihilist with little to no exit ramps.

freeprintablesaz.org

#43 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2026-03-15 07:30 PM | Reply

@#32 ... The issue I am trying to raise is how serially dishonest the MSM is in covering these attacks. ...

Given that FoxNews seems to win the ratings for media, that is an interesting question.

Here Are the Cable News Ratings for February 2026
www.adweek.com

... The network [FoxNews] finished January in first place among total viewers ...

So, yeah, I agree that FoxNews seems to be seriously dishonest. To the tune of almost a billion dollar settlement for their ~reporting.~

#44 | Posted by LampLighter at 2026-03-15 08:05 PM | Reply

" Jeff bravely takes a stand against the MSM taking a conservative approach to reporting"

That is a colossal misrepresentati9n of what they are doing with these terrorist attacks. But then you dishonesty is legion.

"
How about this?

Why don't our media, all of them, put a full court press on the WH and Pentagon to explain why the fuck we are in this war and what we are trying to achieve?

How about that for a start?

#37 | POSTED BY TRUTHHURTS AT 2026-03-15 05:54 PM | FLAG: "

I would LOVE to see this happen. Nevertheless, you are of course deflecting.

#45 | Posted by BellRinger at 2026-03-15 08:50 PM | Reply

Trump is threatening news agencies with treason

Trump accuses US media of treason over Iran war coverage
The US president has lashed out at US media over their coverage of the war on Iran, calling for treason charges against outlets that spread false information.

In a Truth Social post, Trump accused the US media of being manipulated by Iran, which he claimed is using AI to disseminate disinformation.

"Iran, working in close coordination with the Fake News Media, shows our great USS Abraham Lincoln Aircraft Carrier, one of the largest and most prestigious Ships in the World, burning uncontrollably in the Ocean. Not only was it not burning, it was not even shot at " Iran knows better than to do that! The story was knowingly FAKE and, in a certain way, you can say that those Media Outlets that generated it should be brought up on Charges for TREASON for the dissemination of false information!" he wrote.

"The fact is, Iran is being decimated, and the only battles they "win" are those that they create through AI, and are distributed by Corrupt Media Outlets. The Radical Leftwing Press knows this full well, but continues to go forward with false stories and LIES," he added.

#46 | Posted by truthhurts at 2026-03-15 09:27 PM | Reply | Newsworthy 1

Dummkopf Trumpf makes it sound like Iran has Lex Luthor, Josef Goebbels, Dr. Doom, Hannibal Lecter, and Dracula on its side: bookshop.sg

#47 | Posted by C0RI0LANUS at 2026-03-15 09:39 PM | Reply