In several cities across the nation, the “silent majority” thought it would be a great idea to host a Trump rally on bodies of water as a means to protect Trump supporters from those who oppose their views.
Yet, early on Saturday, social media erupted with rumors that several boats sank during a Facebook organized Trump boat parade that took place on Lake Travis in Austin, Texas. At the time, there was no supporting evidence to back these allegations until it was confirmed by the Travis County Sheriff’s Office.
“TCSO responded to multiple calls involving boats in distress during the Trump parade on Lake Travis,” officials said. “Several boats did sink.”
Christa Stedman, spokeswoman for the Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services, confirmed that there were no injuries. Firefighters at the scene confirmed at least four boats sunk during the water rally.
Several conspiracies began to surface on the Internet as many believed that the Tweet was fake or that the boats were rigged. Confusing the conversation even more, people began re-releasing old footage of boat incidents that had nothing to do with the Lake Travis event.
One video that was released showed a family desperately trying to escape a sinking boat. Footage clearly shows boats with Trump flags approaching the distressed family. The incident occurred at the Williamette River in Portland on August 16, according to a Buzzfeed News report.
Another conspiracy going around involves a burning boat with a “Trump 2020” design on the side of it floating down a river. Some media outlets are reporting that the design was digitally added to the video. However, the Twitter user Chet Faliszek who originally released the video said that there was a Trump design but he digitally removed it.
“For all the times this has been. posted, I want to point out – it originally had a Trump banner on it and I photoshopped it out… I didn’t need to be reminded of him.”
Hundreds of boats surfed the choppy waves of the famous 64-mile Austin lake planted in the middle of a wealthy community. Supporters also lined up on the shores of the lake to celebrate their president over what they called an “American” weekend.
With a large college population, a location central to Texas and the city slogan “Keep Austin Weird,” Austin is known for being a safe space for people with liberal and democratic viewpoints. The city has a huge population of people who have relocated from California and even hosts a film industry of its own.
