Aaron Rodgers responds to Sandy Hook conspiracy theory allegations
Aaron Rodgers responded after one CNN report claimed that in private conversations he shared “deranged conspiracy theories that the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting was not real.”
The CNN story claimed there were two people, including the story’s co-author Pamela Brownreported Rodgers, 40, who shared these theories.
Rodgers, a potential running mate for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., responded in statement shared via X, writing: “As I have said in the past, what happened in Sandy Hook was an absolute tragedy. I am not and have never been of the opinion that the events did not happen. Again, I hope we learn from these and other tragedies to identify the signs that will allow us to prevent unnecessary loss of life. My thoughts and prayers remain with the affected families and the entire Sandy Hook community.”
The December 14, 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, which killed 26 people, including 20 children, is the deadliest mass shooting at an elementary school in U.S. history. It has also been the source of baseless conspiracy theories, none more famous than those promoted by The New York Times Alex Joneswho was ordered to pay $1.1 billion in defamation damages for spreading lies about the tragedy.
In the CNN article, Brown reported meeting Rodgers at the 2013 Kentucky Derby. When he realized Brown was a reporter, Rodgers reportedly brought up the shooting, “claiming it was actually an inside government job and that the media deliberately ignored them.” When asked to provide evidence, Rodgers reportedly cited many of the debunked theories that Jones, 50, had shared.
Aaron Rodgers
Ryan Kang/Getty ImagesBrown also alleged that Rodgers asked her if it was “not true” that men in black had been seen in the woods near the school and falsely claimed they were government agents.
Rodgers’ statement Thursday did not directly address his thoughts on government involvement in the tragedy, and he did not deny making the comments.
The other source CNN cited in its story chose to remain anonymous to avoid harassment. That source claimed Rodgers told them, “Sandy Hook never happened. … All those children never existed. They were all actors.”
The feud between Jimmy Kimmel and Aaron Rodgers started long before the quarterback insinuated that the comedian had a connection to Jeffrey Epstein. Kimmel began poking fun at Rodgers, who played 18 seasons for the Green Bay Packers before joining the New York Jets in April 2023, after the NFL player came under fire for being dishonest. […]
As for the grieving parents, the source claimed Rodgers insisted, “They’re making it all up.” They are all actors.”
The report came just days after Kennedy, 70, told CNN he had spoken to Rodgers about the possibility of joining his long-running campaign. Kennedy will name his running mate on March 26 in Oakland, California.
A campaign spokesman did not address Rodgers directly, but told CNN: “Mr. Kennedy believes the Sandy Hook shooting was a horrific tragedy. The twenty children and six adults who died on December 14, 2012 brought the entire country together in grief. Let us honor their memory.”