The Comet Ping Pong Wikipedia page states that the D.C. Police department has debunked Pizzagate: ..."debunked by the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia". My question is when did they investigate this? And what if anything was found? Could this investigation have been tainted as it was performed on one of the 50 most powerful people in their district?
If you live in the D.C. you help to fund this group and I believe your questions (should you have any) warrant answers. Also in today's climate where City Police are receiving funding from the Federal Government I believe all citizens are entitled to answers. If Snopes and The NYT want to claim this is debunked that is their business. But if a government organization wants to go on record as saying definitively that no wrong doing has been done than I think we deserve answers.
We should implore the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia to demand that the Wiki be edited or demand that they tell us why they are on the record for debunking this.
Common sense would dictate that they proceed with caution. For example they could state that they have looked into the matter but do not have any evidence of wrongdoing at this time. And encouraging people to contact them if they have any evidence that is relevant. -That is a far way from saying after looking into this we find that the allegations are false...which is what 'debunking' means.
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AreWeSure ago
Police are not obligated to investigate unsubstantiated rumors. Particularly for a business that has been open for almost a decade with no parents or customers making any sort of charge like this.
What should get the police involved?
Many emails used the term pizza? A girl has masking tape on her arms? They make sick jokes? I think Marina Abramovic is a witch? An anonymous poster on 4chan said....?
What concrete evidence is there that should get the state involved?
WorkSmarter ago
I don't believe any where in my post did I say the police needed to investigate anything. I pointed out that without an investigation I don't believe they are in a position to debunk anything. I would ask that they either withdraw their claim that it has been debunked or investigate to substantiate their claim.
I also wonder if in their position you too would choose not to investigate. I believe, right or wrong, that their has been a great demand for them to investigate. I also believe the police has investigated a lot more with a lot less evidence. For instance if I called the police and told them I think you were doing something illegal in your residence I am sure you would get a knock on the door. Its called due diligence and without it I believe you would be liable if something did indeed occur. God forbid, but if something bad does happen there, how will they/you feel then? When it might have been prevented.
AreWeSure ago
Basically all they could do is open a file at this point. They do not have probable cause, they can't search or seize or arrest anyone because they have nothing to base a warrant on. Due diligence is not a law enforcement term. So perhaps they could open a file and start keeping information that comes in, but they can't do anything beyond that.
If you called the police about me and you have specific evidence of a crime that met a certain standard, they would investigate. They certainly don't get involved with every call from a suspicious neighbor. Perhaps in small towns they do. I doubt in larger cities. Would I investigate? I have seen no evidence of any crime, so no.
WorkSmarter ago
"So perhaps they could open a file and start keeping information that comes in, but they can't do anything beyond that."
They've already gone beyond that. They have debunked it. (exposed as being untrue).
I feel that you have glossed over the first paragraph of my reply and put words in my mouth on a couple of occasions. I have not called for anyone to be arrested. I'm curious, have you read the wiki. Do you agree with the statement that the police have debunked the accusations, or put another way; do you believe they are in a position to say that it has been debunked?
AreWeSure ago
I think they prebunked it.
I was responding not just to you, but to the many folks who think they have solid evidence in this case and that the police must be covering something up. They don't have solid evidence.
WorkSmarter ago
'Prebunked' that's a new one. It frustrates me that they would go out on a limb like that. It seems irresponsible at best. I personally would like them to take that statement back. It is definitive and there is no place for it.
I agree, I do not think I have seen solid evidence. Of course, if we had solid evidence I am not sure there would be cause for an investigation. I can't say with any certainty. Personally I believe there is and I would like to see it done. I can't say that it is definitely warranted under law. It may be as 'Godwillwin' mentioned below. I am not an expert in law. But I'm interested now. Perhaps someone with more knowledge than us can state whether an investigation should be carried out with the evidence at hand.