Former Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia was found dead on February 13th, 2016 at Cibolo Creek Ranch in West Texas. Shortly after Scalia's death, GOP Presidential candidate Donald Trump commented on the issue stating that "they found a pillow on his head, which is a pretty unusual place to find a pillow." GOP candidate Michael Savage then stated "This is the most corrupt, degenerate, criminal government in American history," in relation to Scalia's death.
Scalia, who died at 79 years old was known for being obese with a history of using tobacco products. Conspiracist believe Scalia's death was a homicide based on the evidence of a pillow found over his head, and his family denying a proper autopsy. These conspiracist present strong allegations while disregarding Scalia's age and health history.
These GOP candidates and conspiracist present the Texas sharpshooter logical fallacy when commenting on the death of former Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. They used evidence of the pillow being found over Scalia's head to further suit their argument that his death was a homicide. Based on events of pillows being used to smoother victims, the conspiracist use this pattern to justify their reasoning and logic.
Interesting post here. Yes, they are cherry-picking data (a la Texas Sharpshooter) to rile conservatives up--to make this a crime and a scandal, not so much a death due to age and health related causes (I guess we'll know more if the medical examiner releases data). I wonder--what does speech like this do during a political season?
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