ABC News mocked for ‘peaceful demonstration intensified’ report

ABC News was mocked by prominent GOP office holders for a report that said a “peaceful demonstration intensified” after police were attacked and a courthouse set on fire in Oakland, Calif.

“Protesters in California set fire to a courthouse, damaged a police station and assaulted officers after a peaceful demonstration intensified,” was the caption on a tweet from ABC News’s official Twitter to its 15.7 million followers.

Protesters in California set fire to a courthouse, damaged a police station and assaulted officers after a peaceful demonstration intensified. https://t.co/fUZTABUM21

— ABC News (@ABC) July 26, 2020

The tweet quickly drew reaction on social media, including from Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas) and former Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal (R).

Ok I can’t tell if this is parody or not https://t.co/EVTWytrc7k

— Dan Crenshaw (@DanCrenshawTX) July 26, 2020

“Peaceful demonstration intensified” ….media should be honest and report these as violent riots. https://t.co/1PWwoJnyV1

— Gov. Bobby Jindal (@BobbyJindal) July 26, 2020

Oakland police designated the rioting as “unlawful assembly” while calling for peace Sunday night.

We continue to ask the crowd to disperse because of an unlawful assembly. Some in the crowd are throwing projectiles and pointing illegal lasers at officers. We are using signs and giving vocal commands to the crowd if the assaults continue chemicals will be deployed. pic.twitter.com/Un1Ndrs0AQ

— Oakland Police Dept. (@oaklandpoliceca) July 26, 2020

“Agitators within the crowd of demonstrators have set the Alameda County Superior Courthouse on fire. Please avoid the area. We are calling for peace and to have safe spaces and safe places for tonight’s demonstration,” Oakland’s official Twitter account urged.

Agitators within the crowd of demonstrators have set the Alameda County Superior Courthouse on fire. Please avoid the area. We are calling for peace and to have safe spaces and safe places for tonight’s demonstration. #WallofMoms pic.twitter.com/qYIcUONlgh

— Oakland Police Dept. (@oaklandpoliceca) July 26, 2020