Woman holds 'Fake News Fake Bombs' sign outside Florida governors debate

A woman was photographed holding a sign that read "Democrats Fake News Fake Bombs" outside the Broward College building hosting Florida's gubernatorial debate on Wednesday.


The photo, first shared on Twitter by Florida Democratic Party spokesman Kevin Donohoe, shows a woman in what appears to be a DeSantis campaign shirt, holding the sign.


Earlier on Wednesday, a series of pipe bombs were discovered after having been addressed to CNN and a number of prominent Democrats, including former President Obama and former President Clinton and Hillary ClintonHillary Diane Rodham Clinton2020 Democrats make play for veterans' votes The Memo: Democrats confront prospect of long primary Manafort sought to hurt Clinton 2016 campaign efforts in key states: NYT MORE, the Democratic nominee for president in 2016. 

President TrumpDonald John TrumpGOP senators balk at lengthy impeachment trial Warren goes local in race to build 2020 movement 2020 Democrats make play for veterans' votes MORE and lawmakers from both parties have condemned the attempted attacks, and federal and state authorities are investigating the matter. Another, similar device was found on Thursday morning at a building housing a production company owned by the actor Robert De Niro.

The sign appeared to reference conspiracy theories that have quickly circulated on social media among some on the right. Those theories suggest the bombs were "false flags" and meant to change the political conversation in a way that would hurt Trump and Republicans ahead of the midterm elections, which are less than two weeks away.

All of the people who the bombs were addressed to are prominent critics of Trump who have been frequent targets of his barbs.

Radio host Rush Limbaugh suggested that a “Democratic operative” was behind the packages, because "Republicans just don't do this kind of thing.’

Several pro-Trump media personalities pushed the “false flag” theories on social media.

“From the Haymarket riot to the Unibomber [sic], bombs are a liberal tactic,” Ann Coulter tweeted.

Conservative writer Ben Shapiro condemned the “false flag” theories: "If your first reaction to some evil person sending bombs to a variety of politicians on one side of the aisle is 'FALSE FLAG,' you are officially deranged.”

Critics of Trump, including Democratic leaders of Congress, have blamed his repeated attacks on the media and political opponents.

Speaking at a rally in Wisconsin, Trump condemned the pipe bombs and called for "all sides to come together in peace and harmony." But he also didn't mention those targeted by the bombs, and put blame on the media and his political opponents for the political environment.

The DeSantis campaign did not immediately respond to request for comment from The Hill.

Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Terrie Rizzo in a statement called on DeSantis to apologize for the supporters’ sign.