**Key Takeaways:**
– Robert F. Kennedy Jr., running as an independent candidate for president, has considered New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers as a potential vice-presidential candidate. Rodgers has privately shared controversial conspiracy theories regarding the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting.
– CNN has confirmed that Rodgers has discussed these conspiracy theories with at least two individuals, including journalist Pamela Brown.
– During a 2013 encounter at a post-Kentucky Derby party, Rodgers expressed to Brown his belief that the Sandy Hook shooting was a government conspiracy, a claim that has been widely discredited.
– Conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, who propagated similar falsehoods about Sandy Hook, faced lawsuits from the victims’ families, highlighting the real-world impacts of such unfounded claims.
– Rodgers, through his agent, declined to comment on these allegations.
– Kennedy plans to announce his vice-presidential pick on March 26 in Oakland, California, and has met with Rodgers and former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura as potential candidates.
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In a surprising twist to the political landscape, independent presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is considering New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers as a potential vice-presidential running mate. Rodgers, known for his prowess on the football field, has also been involved in private discussions that promote unfounded conspiracy theories about the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.
CNN has learned from two sources that Rodgers has been vocal about these conspiracy theories. One of these sources is Pamela Brown, a journalist with CNN, who encountered Rodgers at a post-Kentucky Derby party in 2013. During their conversation, Rodgers criticized the media for allegedly concealing the truth about various events, including the Sandy Hook shooting, which he baselessly claimed was orchestrated by the government.
Rodgers’ assertions mirror the discredited theories that led to lawsuits against conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, who falsely claimed that the Sandy Hook massacre was staged. These lawsuits brought to light the distressing harassment endured by the victims’ families due to such conspiracy theories.
One particularly unsettling claim Rodgers made was about supposed government operatives disguised in black near the school on the day of the shooting, a notion that journalist Pamela Brown found disturbing. Despite these allegations, Rodgers, through his agent, has chosen not to comment.
Another individual, who wished to remain anonymous to avoid harassment, shared a similar story with CNN about Rodgers’ claims that the Sandy Hook tragedy was a fabrication and that the children and grieving parents were merely actors.
As the political arena watches closely, Kennedy’s campaign has announced that the official unveiling of his vice-presidential choice will take place on March 26 in Oakland, California. Kennedy has confirmed meetings with both Rodgers and former Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura, indicating a broad search for his running mate.