CNN Terror Analyst Paul Cruickshank was reporting live on Anderson Cooper’s "AC360" on Monday night as the Manchester Bombing's details were unfolding, and during his report noted that the right has been trying to frame Islamists for acts of terrorism.
Cruickshank suggested that though there was evidence of a suicide bomber — confirmed by authorities later that night, and named by law enforcement as 22-year-old Salman Abedi on Tuesday — it couldn't be confirmed because of purported right-wing plots to sabotage Islamists.
“It must also be noted that in recent months in Europe, there’s been a number of false flag plots where right wing have been trying to blame Islamists for terrorism,” Cruickshank noted and added that “we have seen that in Germany in recent weeks.”
ISIS claimed responsibility for the bombing on Tuesday, issuing a statement that read, "One of the soldiers of the caliphate placed explosive devices in a gathering of crusaders in the middle of the British city of Manchester."
Approximately 21,000 Ariana Grande fans were in Manchester Arena on Monday night for a stop on Grande's "Dangerous Woman" world tour.
At the concert's conclusion, the lights in the arena were raised and attendees began filing out of the building. At that time, suicide bomber Abedi detonated his homemade explosive, killing at least 22 people and injuring scores more. The suicide bomber also perished at the arena.
British Prime Minister Theresa May said the attack was “the worst attack the city [of Manchester] has experienced.”
“It is now beyond doubt that the people of Manchester, and of this country, have fallen victim to a callous terrorist attack," May said. "An attack that targeted some of the youngest people in our society with cold calculation.”
See some of the outraged responses to Cruickshank's comments below as well as the original video from CNN.
Paul Cruickshank said right wingers were behind the Manchester terrorist attack. He is a dumb ass of EPIC proportions
— Lucian (@lucianwords) May 23, 2017
via @JaneyMackWriterhttps://t.co/hVTejO1wnT
@CruickshankPaul Right-Wing extremist huh?
— Raised Right (@Patriot091972) May 23, 2017
@CruickshankPaul Way to have this crackpot on Ur show @CNN@AC360 offering No proof of a RW false flag?? Sorry Paul, it was one of Ur Muslim buddies AGAIN!
— Joe Republic (@aaarocket37) May 23, 2017
@CruickshankPaul "false flag event?" Lol seems legit. Good work I think the keystone cops are hiring. Get them your CV LOL
— ackfog (@ackfog) May 23, 2017
@CruickshankPaulpic.twitter.com/k9N14zVSA2
— Bill (@Bill17683673) May 23, 2017
CNN analyst said Manchester was likely an Islamist attack, but floated the idea it could have been “false flag” by “right wing extremists.” pic.twitter.com/IzgKtU8T0O
— Alex Griswold (@HashtagGriswold) May 23, 2017