Misleading Videos and Photos Circulated Amid the Recent Vandalism Against Target Stores
The Claim
Recent photos and videos show individuals engaging in acts of theft and vandalism at Target stores in response to the removal of specific items intended for the LGBTQ+ community.
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Emerging story
After the Target chain eliminated certain items designed for the LGBTQ+ community, a series of photos and videos began circulating on social media, allegedly showing incidents of theft and vandalism occurring at Target stores.
Misbar’s Analysis
Misbar investigated the circulating videos and photos and found the claim to be misleading.
The photos and videos were not shot during the recent vandalism acts against Target but during the pro-George Floyd protests in 2020.
False Videos Circulated Amid Recent Vandalism Against Target
The initial viral video features extensive damage at a Target store, with the footage capturing a waterlogged floor.
This video was shared on Twitter on May 28, 2020, following the events surrounding George Floyd's death.
The second viral video was also shot during the George Floyd protests in May 2020. Part of the viral video was shared on Bloomberg QuickTake's YouTube channel.
Misleading Photos Circulated Amid Recent Vandalism Against Target
The first circulating photo shows a looter attempting to break into the cash register at a Target store. This photo was shared on May 27, 2020, which was the second day of protests following the death of George Floyd.
The second circulating photo shows the aftermath of a riot that occurred on the third day of mourning and protesting following the death of George Floyd. This photo was uploaded to Getty Images on May 28, 2020.
The Killing of George Floyd in Police Custody
The death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old Black man, at the hands of police officer Derek Chauvin in Minneapolis created a pivotal moment in American society.
Floyd's final moments were captured on video by a bystander, revealing Chauvin kneeling on Floyd's neck for over nine minutes while Floyd pleaded for help and gasped for breath. This tragic incident drew parallels to the 2014 death of Eric Garner, who also uttered the words "I can't breathe."
Floyd's death sparked widespread protests across the nation, reigniting the Black Lives Matter movement and sparking crucial conversations about race, police brutality, and social injustice. The incident vividly showcased the dehumanizing treatment that Black Americans have long spoken out against within the criminal justice system. While the majority of protests remained peaceful, certain cities experienced episodes of violence, as clashes between protesters and police occurred, and incidents of looting and arson took place.
Target Removes LGBTQ+ Pride Merchandise Amid Employee Threats
Following backlash and threats, Target has taken the decision to remove certain Pride merchandise from its stores. While a company spokesperson did not specify the exact items being removed, criticism had been directed online towards swimsuits featured in the store's Pride collection.
“For more than a decade, Target has offered an assortment of products aimed at celebrating Pride Month. Since introducing this year's collection, we've experienced threats impacting our team members' sense of safety and wellbeing while at work," a company spokesperson said.
Target joins a growing list of companies facing criticism for their support of the LGBTQ+ community. Maybelline and Bud Light have also faced boycotts due to promotions featuring transgender social media influencer Dylan Mulvaney, with the latter experiencing a decline in sales in recent weeks.
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