**Unmasking the “Black Insurrectionist” Behind Viral Conspiracy Theories**
In recent events leading up to the 2024 presidential election, an anonymous social media figure known as the “Black Insurrectionist” has gained notoriety for promoting numerous conspiracy theories. Surprisingly, investigations have revealed that this persona can be traced to a white man from upstate New York.
Utilizing a profile picture of a Black soldier and the slogan “I FOLLOW BACK TRUE PATRIOTS,” this individual, operating on the platform X, has garnered over 300,000 followers by sharing unsubstantiated claims about key political figures, including Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Prominent politicians, including former President Donald Trump along with Senator JD Vance and other Republican figures, have amplified some of these sensational accusations. As the election approaches, the account has disseminated increasingly salacious and unsupported claims.
Recently, the “Black Insurrectionist” published what was purported to be an affidavit from an employee of ABC News, alleging that Harris was privy to debate questions ahead of her televised clash with Trump. ABC News promptly rebuffed these claims, but Trump expressed support for the accusations, commenting favorably about the originating account. Additionally, the account has spread unfounded allegations regarding inappropriate conduct involving Walz and a student from years past, something that U.S. intelligence officials have linked to a disinformation effort initiated by Russian sources.
The ability of the “Black Insurrectionist” account to reach a vast audience with backing from prominent political figures underscores the speed at which misinformation can spread online, shaping public opinion and potentially influencing election outcomes.
Identified as Jason G. Palmer, this individual has a controversial history, including a false claim about his racial background. Investigations into Palmer have illuminated a troubled past involving accusations of fraud, struggles with addiction, and significant tax debts exceeding $6.7 million in New York. Kathleen Albano, who participated in a failed business venture with Palmer, stated bluntly, “He’s far from African American.”
Palmer has offered conflicting statements about his connection to the account. When approached for comment, he admitted involvement but denied creation of the account, stating that he previously owned it and sold it in April or May to an undisclosed individual. “I do not know what is going on with this account,” he wrote in an email. Nonetheless, in a subsequent interview, he acknowledged his role in generating claims against Walz and indicated collaboration with others he described as researchers.
Despite his insistence that a Black friend primarily managed the account, Palmer has refrained from disclosing that person’s identity or facilitating contact with them. The platform X, formerly known as Twitter, did not respond to inquiries regarding the issue.
Evidence pointing to Palmer’s involvement with the account was corroborated through various posts that contained authentic details regarding his life in New York. A video shared by the “Black Insurrectionist” demonstrated access to Trump’s election case details, revealing Palmer’s initials on a web browser and his email address linked to the state’s legal system.
Palmer’s association with the account comes as no surprise to those familiar with his past dealings. Albano recounted her negative experiences with him, stating he had a talent for drawing people into complicated financial situations, including failed ventures together. She mentioned that though they could have pursued legal action, they opted not to because “you can’t get blood from a stone.” Palmer refuted her claims about their toxic business interactions.
In the mid-2000s, Palmer engaged in real estate investments in Rochester, New York, but this endeavor led to numerous lawsuits from creditors looking for considerable debts he owed. He has attributed part of his financial troubles during that period to an opioid addiction, while some former business associates alleged he had resorted to forgery to seize control of properties. A forensic investigation into a documented property transfer indicated possible tampering with signatures. Palmer argued that his former business partner had deceived him, but the case he filed was dismissed in 2022.
Maureen Bass, a bankruptcy attorney familiar with Palmer’s past, expressed little surprise over his connection to a social media account propagating conspiracy theories, recalling his penchant for dramatic and unfounded claims against local governance in lengthy emails she received during legal proceedings against him. “It was rambling,” she said, describing one such email as a manifesto denouncing an imagined conspiracy against him, further highlighting the puzzling mix of his claims and behavior.
The revealing of Jason G. Palmer as the person behind the “Black Insurrectionist” account serves as a cautionary tale about the origins of misinformation, illustrating how easily false narratives can be created and spread in a politically charged environment.