A group of conservative conspiracy theorists interrupted a vigil for Ruth Bader Ginsburg following her death on September 18, 2020.
"When I’m sometimes asked when will there be enough women on the supreme court? And I say ‘When there are nine.’ People are shocked. But there’d been nine men, and nobody’s ever raised a question about that." Rest in Peace RBG ???? pic.twitter.com/uKDqg0Rk7K
— The Female Lead (@the_female_lead) September 19, 2020
Ruth Bader Ginsburg was an American jurist who served from 1993 until her passing. She was originally nominated by Bill Clinton during his presidency. Ginsburg served as an associate justice for nearly two decades before her recent death. Her legacy and work is incredibly important for women. However, RBG touched the lives of many people of all genders, backgrounds and cultures.
https://twitter.com/_madelinelle_/status/1307105549629231105
Because of RBG, I could do anything I wanted to do. She inspired generations of women, including me. Throw back to Halloween 2015 ???? pic.twitter.com/jvZOpQnIaz
— Anna Holt Upton (@AnnaHoltUpton) September 20, 2020
And although the majority of the country decided to mourn the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, also known as RBG, peacefully, others were not so kind and respectful about her passing. There was an act of hate that occurred the same night as her death. Unfortunately, a disrespectful duo took the attention away from a very emotional and unfortunate day in history.
Late Friday night, the day of RBG’s passing, many people decided to pay their respects in Washington D.C. and honor the late justice’s legacy. The night was off to a peaceful start until conspiracists decided to ruin it.
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Far-right trash Jacob Wohl went to the Supreme Court to tell RBG mourners that "Roe v. Wade is dead" pic.twitter.com/pkiHjf5jG9
— Fifty Shades of Whey (@davenewworld_2) September 19, 2020
Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman, known as far-right conspiracy theorists, decided to show up and taunt those present to mourn Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Those who were honoring her life and legacy respectfully tried to overpower them with their voices…and it worked. After love outweighed the hate, Wohl and Burkman vanished.
A video almost instantly went viral of Wohl and Burkman shouting unnecessary and inconsiderate remarks about RBG. Wohl mentioned that “Roe v Wade is dead” and ultimately caused chaos to erupt. People started fighting and going back and forth with the rude theorists and as a result, what started out as a beautifully peaceful night went south very fast.
Far-right conspiracy theorist Jacob Wohl showed up to the Supreme Court to declare Roe v. wade dead. People swiftly drown him out. Chant “RBG” and ask him to let people mourn. He has left. pic.twitter.com/mBRDsakTae
— Abdallah Fayyad (@abdallah_fayyad) September 19, 2020
Eventually, Wohl and Burkman left the vigil. This caused an ongoing conversation to spark on social media. Many were discussing how disrespectful and rude the two theorists were the night of her passing while others defended them and claimed they were exercising their first amendment rights.
It seems as though the overall conversation on social media was how terrified people are that she will be replaced before the election. However, internet trolls did continue to make disrespectful and offensive comments regardless of that.
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Really the most disgusting thing is that a serial assaulter of women, the worst misogynist president, would name the replacement of RBG. We just cannot let that stand. #diefighting
— Neera Tanden???? (@neeratanden) September 19, 2020
It is becoming more and more evident that people like Jacob Wohl truly exist and aim to spread hate in the world. In the video, Wohl even says that Ginsburg was a “horrible justice” and people looked mortified.
He was using some sort of mini-megaphone to amplify himself, but the voices of others chanting powerfully around him were even louder than his device. Countless Twitter users came to RBG’s defense and only a few individuals bothered to fight them. It became apparent that regardless of political views, the overwhelming majority agreed that crashing a vigil is simply disrespectful and immature behavior.
At the vigil, many lit candles, left flowers, sang and even prayed to honor the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
A large crowd has gathered outside the Supreme Court to mourn the loss of RGB. pic.twitter.com/3UT1IpNAf3
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) September 19, 2020
A large group took part in singing “Imagine” by John Lennon together.
Previously, Jacob Wohl was banned from Twitter back in 2019. He shared his plans to interfere with Democratic Presidential Primary this year through disinformation and fake campaigns. However, Twitter got wind of this through people reporting him as well as his account. Wohl is also now permanently banned from Facebook and Instagram as a result of “inappropriate behavior.”
My favorite part of Jacob Wohl trending on Twitter is that he never knows that he is trending on Twitter because he is banned from Twitter.
— Tony Posnanski (@tonyposnanski) September 14, 2020
Burkman does not seem to have a clean record either. In March of this year, he was banned from Twitter as well. This was after violating community guidelines over and over again on purpose. Many, as a result, have referenced Burkman as an internet troll.
Far-Right troll Jacob Wohl Is the absolute face of total evil!https://t.co/XkihbgRC3A via @tlrd
— joesbrat67 (Threads/Bluesky) (@JoesBrat67) September 20, 2020
Burkman’s home was also raided and searched by the FBI earlier this week. Some suspect that the “raid” was all for publicity and done with ulterior political motives in mind. However, others truly believe that he has something to hide.
https://twitter.com/lachlan/status/1305568178400100354
And if one thing is certain, this is not the last we’ll see or hear from Burkman and Wohl before the election.
Unfortunately, the death of RBG marks another tragic and horrific event to occur in 2020. Many fear what may happen next.
Rest in peace, Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Video Created By:
Job Kimani
