Fact Check: "Karen Read's supporters celebrated her not-guilty verdict with loud cheers."
What We Know
On April 22, 2023, Karen Read was acquitted of the most serious charges against her, including second-degree murder and manslaughter while operating under the influence of alcohol, related to the death of her boyfriend, John O'Keefe. Following the verdict, hundreds of her supporters gathered outside the courthouse in Dedham, Massachusetts, where they erupted in cheers and chants of "Free Karen Read," which were so loud that some inside the courtroom reported they could not hear the verdict being read (CBS News, NBC News). Estimates suggest that over 1,000 people were present, many wearing pink in support of Read (CBS News).
Analysis
The claim that Karen Read's supporters celebrated her not-guilty verdict with loud cheers is supported by multiple credible sources. Reports from CBS News and NBC News confirm that the crowd outside the courthouse was indeed very vocal, with cheers and chants that could be heard inside the courtroom (CBS News, NBC News).
Additionally, eyewitness accounts, such as that from WBZ-TV's Kristina Rex, corroborate the volume of the celebrations, stating, "Those chants were so loud, we actually could not hear the clerk" (CBS News). The emotional response from the crowd, described as a "sea of emotion," further indicates the intensity of the celebration (NBC News).
The sources used are reputable news organizations, which adds to their reliability. CBS News and NBC News are well-established media outlets known for their journalistic standards, making their reports credible.
Conclusion
The claim that "Karen Read's supporters celebrated her not-guilty verdict with loud cheers" is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms that the supporters were indeed loud and celebratory, with their actions being reported by journalists present at the scene.
