Fact Check: Biden Visits Shooting Victims, Including a Senator Shot Nine Times
What We Know
The claim that President Biden visited shooting victims, including a senator who was shot nine times, requires careful examination. As of October 2023, there have been multiple instances where President Biden has visited victims of gun violence, particularly following mass shootings. However, the specific detail regarding a senator being shot nine times is not substantiated by credible sources.
For instance, Biden has expressed condolences and support for victims of various shooting incidents, including the tragic events in Uvalde, Texas, and Buffalo, New York, where he met with families and survivors (source-1). However, there is no verified report of a senator being shot nine times in any of these incidents.
Analysis
The claim about a senator being shot nine times seems to stem from a misunderstanding or misrepresentation of actual events. Notably, the most prominent case of a senator being shot is that of former Arizona Senator Gabby Giffords, who was shot in 2011 but not nine times. She survived the attack and has since become an advocate for gun control, but her situation does not align with the claim being investigated (source-2).
Moreover, the credibility of the sources reporting this claim is questionable. Many social media posts and unverified news outlets may propagate such claims without substantial evidence. Reliable news organizations typically require confirmation from multiple sources before reporting on such sensitive topics, especially involving public figures and violent incidents.
Given the lack of evidence supporting the claim and the potential for misinformation, it is crucial to approach this assertion with skepticism. The absence of credible reports about a senator being shot nine times during Biden's visits to shooting victims suggests that this claim may be exaggerated or entirely false.
Conclusion
Needs Research. The claim that President Biden visited shooting victims, including a senator shot nine times, lacks credible evidence and appears to be based on misunderstandings or misinformation. While Biden has indeed visited victims of gun violence, the specific detail regarding a senator being shot nine times is not substantiated by reliable sources. Further investigation is necessary to clarify the origins of this claim and to ensure accurate reporting on such critical issues.
Sources
- Biden visits Uvalde, Texas, to meet victims' families - NBC News (https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/biden-visits-uvalde-texas-meet-victims-families-rcna23851)
- Gabby Giffords shooting anniversary - CNN (https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/08/politics/gabby-giffords-shooting-anniversary/index.html)