Tell the Media: Report Breaking News Responsibly

Major news outlets just failed the public — and the consequences are dangerous.

The Wall Street Journal recently published unverified claims that the shooter who murdered Charlie Kirk had ammunition engraved with “transgender ideology.” That false narrative spread quickly before being debunked. The engravings were actually a mix of memes, video-game references, and trolling insults — none tied to transgender identity.

This is not a small mistake. When the media rushes to print unconfirmed rumors about marginalized communities, the harm is immediate and severe. False stories like this fuel anti-trans hysteria, give cover to extremists, and normalize prejudice.

Just weeks earlier in Minnesota, after the tragic Annunciation School shooting, Republicans seized on the shooter’s transgender identity to attack the state’s trans refuge law. That playbook was fresh when the Wall Street Journal amplified false claims about the Kirk shooter — showing how sensational coverage feeds political scapegoating.

The Wall Street Journal and others must be held accountable. Journalism requires more than chasing headlines — it demands verification, context, and an understanding of how coverage can fuel hate.

We call on the Wall Street Journal Editorial Board, along with editors at all major outlets, to act now: issue public corrections, commit to verifying claims before publishing, and adopt stronger safeguards when reporting on vulnerable communities.

Here’s the truth: journalism shapes public opinion, policy, and even violence. When reporters get it wrong, the damage doesn’t vanish with a quiet update. By demanding accountability now, we can push the media to prioritize truth over sensationalism and protect communities from reckless reporting.

We must act quickly. Every news cycle risks repeating this failure. Sign today to demand responsible journalism — and remind the press that their first obligation is to the truth, not manufactured outrage.