Don’t print dangerous speculation in the newspaper
By 
Yesterday, the Wall Street Journal ran a story uncritically citing a law enforcement bulletin claiming that the ammunition in the gun that killed Charlie Kirk was engraved with “transgender ideology.” This was a grossly irresponsible thing to publish for three reasons of escalating importance:
- Even when investigations are being conducted in good faith by competent law enforcement professionals, the fog of war means that a lot of dubious or incorrect information can surface, and it’s important not to rush to circulate it.
- None of the qualifications appies to an investigation being conducted under the Trump administration, particularly when the investigation is thought to be politically significant.
- You should especially not rush to amplify rumours that are both likely to be politically motivated and that target a marginalized community.
The story now has an anodyne editor’s note that is really insufficient:
An earlier version of this article detailed how an internal law enforcement bulletin said that ammunition recovered following the Charlie Kirk shooting was engraved with expressions of “transgender and anti-fascist ideology.” Justice Department officials later urged caution about the bulletin by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, saying it may not accurately reflect the messages on the ammunition, and the article was updated Thursday to reflect that. This editor’s note was appended on Friday, Sept. 12, after Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said the engravings included one that said “Hey fascist!” along with other messages and symbols. He gave no indication that the ammunition included any transgender references.
Not good enough, especially given the traction this got among some of America’s worst people.
If I don't see multiple ~media reporters~ columns about the extraordinarily irresponsible Wall Street Journal report from yesterday morning — and their extensive promotion of that inflammatory report — you all should just pack up and go home.— Chris Geidner (@chrisgeidner.bsky.social) Sep 12, 2025 at 9:29 AM