Unfounded Accusations Connect Protesters to Craigslist Advertisements

Amidst escalating protests against immigration raids in Los Angeles, rumors emerged about a Craigslist advertisement purportedly hiring individuals to incite riots. However, no such legitimate ad exists; instead, a prank ad placed by podcasters for their show "Goofcon1" misled many. The ad sought “BRAVE MEN” for unspecified but well-compensated work, with no mention of protests.Despite claims made by social media users, including former President Donald Trump alleging that protesters were “paid insurrectionists,” the ad had no affiliation with the demonstrations. The podcast creators expressed surprise at how their prank gained misleading traction. Meanwhile, the organization No Kings, which promotes nonviolent protest, distanced itself from the ad, emphasizing its commitment to lawful actions without financial incentives. This incident reflects a recurring theme where unfounded claims about financially motivated protests resurface during civil unrest.