As my colleagues Elizabeth Vaughn reported, MSNBC’s Joy Reid spread the claim that white supremacists were behind the riots in Minneapolis.

So disregard the fact that you see the locals looting and the radical leftists rioting there, Reid’s got the real scoop for you.

But this ridiculous narrative is not only being spread by Reid, it’s also being encouraged by CNN’s Josh Campbell.

Here’s what he said:

Minnesota officials say many of the violent protesters who have caused widespread damage are from out of state. Authorities have been monitoring alleged criminals online, including postings by suspected white supremacists trying to incite violence.

— Josh Campbell (@joshscampbell) May 30, 2020

That was later amplified by former CNN host Reza Aslan.

White Supremacists=Trump Supporters. These are Trump supporters burning and looting. https://t.co/DKyvP6mUJk

— Reza Aslan (@rezaaslan) May 30, 2020

But notice how weaselly and deceptive Campbell’s tweet is. He doesn’t actually say that white supremacists are behind the riots, he says authorities are monitoring their websites. He know how it will be read, as indeed it was read by Aslan.

But that’s not what the experts actually said, as USA Today reports.

Leggat, the security consultant, said intelligence reports from his colleagues indicate most of the hard-core protesters in Minneapolis are far-left or anarchists, and that far-right groups have not yet made a significant appearance. He said looting is typically done by locals – usually people with no criminal record who just get caught up in the moment.

But direct conflicts with authorities come from a mix of both locals and outside groups who see these conflicts as a core part of their mission. Many of the anarchists, he said, target banks, chain-type businesses and even luxury cars as symbols of corrupt institutions. He said even a peaceful protest can turn violent if outside agitators decide to participate, hijacking the message.

Bill Barr also confirmed it was leftist anarchists.

AG Bill Barr: “In many places, it appears the violence is planned, organized and driven by anarchic and left extremist groups — far left extremist groups — using Antifa-like tactics.” pic.twitter.com/ALWWnekHqQ

— The Hill (@thehill) May 30, 2020

The local DSA is asking people to donate for white supremacists now?

Start looking here. pic.twitter.com/47UA6qaXGE

— Aldous Huxley’s Ghost™ (@AF632) May 30, 2020

By the way, Josh Campbell the guy implying it’s white supremacists here and the guy who claimed he was treated differently by the police while his black colleague was arrested by police the other day (not mentioning the white crew was also arrested)? He was a special assistant to James Comey when he was in the FBI.

CNN fails to mention that Josh Campbell used to be the Special Assistant to former FBI Director James Comey.

For some unknown reason Campbell has me blocked.

Will be curious on further details as to how this occurred. https://t.co/KJ2q2ijzcx

— Jeff Carlson (@themarketswork) May 29, 2020