Seth Rich Parents Demand Retraction Of Fox Story On Wikileaks Ties
Graphic by Angelie Zaslavsky
(JTA) — The family of Seth Rich, a Jewish Democratic National Committee staffer killed near his Washington, D.C., home last summer, has called on Fox News to retract a story that says Rich had contact with Wikileaks before his death.
Rich, 27, a Nebraska native, was shot dead while walking home before dawn on July 10, 2016. Police have speculated that he was the victim of a robbery gone awry. Rich’s body was found about a block from his home with his wallet, watch and cellphone still in his possession.
His death sparked several conspiracy theories, including that he was a source for WikiLeaks.
Several days after Rich’s death WikiLeaks released a collection of DNC emails, which intelligence officials now say was related to Russian interference in the 2016 election.
Fox’s Washington DC affiliate Fox 5 in a story released on Monday linked Rich’s death and the email dump, citing statements from Rod Wheeler, a private investigator who said he is working with the Rich family and has said, among various conflicting comments, that there is evidence of emails between Rich and WikiLeaks.
Wheeler has since backed off of his claims.
I’m personally matching all gifts to the Forward, up to $36,000. Can I match your gift now?
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
