False Claims of Medical Emergency on Air Force One Spread on Social Media
ICARO Media Group
In a wave of false reports, social media users circulated claims that President Joe Biden suffered a "medical emergency" during his flight back to Delaware on Friday following a campaign stop in Wisconsin. However, these claims have been debunked by the Associated Press (AP) reporter who was present on Air Force One.
According to the AP's assessment, there were no signs of a medical emergency on the flight. Air Force One landed at Delaware Air National Guard Base in New Castle, Delaware, at 7:22 p.m., with the president disembarking the plane unassisted. Biden saluted and engaged in conversation with an officer before taking questions from reporters and leaving the airport.
The false rumors began to spread as Air Force One touched down in Delaware, coinciding with posts on social media alleging an alleged "medical emergency." Despite gaining attention, these posts provided no evidence to support their claims, and there was no removal of press access.
Video footage captures Biden walking down the steps of Air Force One without any issues, conversing with an officer, and answering a reporter's question about an upcoming interview with ABC News' George Stephanopolous. The footage contradicts the false claims made on social media.
The AP reporter on board, who observed the entire flight from Wisconsin to Delaware, attested that there were no signs of an emergency and that the press was not denied access to the plane at any moment. Furthermore, the reporter mentioned that the press was able to move freely on the plane, with a door separating them from Biden's staff remaining open for most of the journey.
White House spokesperson Andrew Bates addressed the false claims on social media, unequivocally stating that they were "100% false." Despite this clarification, additional posts asserted that Biden was not seen by the press when his motorcade arrived at his home in Wilmington, Delaware, and that campaign events had been canceled as a result of the supposed emergency.
However, the AP reporter clarified that a press pool was indeed present when Biden's motorcade dropped him off at his Wilmington residence. Although journalists did not witness his entry into the house, it is customary for the motorcade to pass through gates leading to the residence, which is set back from the street.
As for the canceled campaign events, it is important to note that Biden had no public appearances scheduled for Saturday. However, his planned speech at the National Education Association convention on Sunday was canceled following the union staff's announcement of a strike on Friday. The president's campaign explained that Biden, a staunch supporter of unions, would not cross a picket line. Nonetheless, he still intends to travel to Pennsylvania over the weekend.
In conclusion, the claims surrounding President Joe Biden's alleged "medical emergency" aboard Air Force One are categorically false. The AP reporter who was present on the flight confirmed that there were no signs of an emergency, press access was not denied, and video footage showed Biden exiting the plane without any issues. It is crucial to exercise caution and verify information before spreading potentially misleading claims.