Paul Horner, fake news writer who claimed responsibility for Donald Trump’s election triumph found dead in his Ariz. apartment
Fake news writer who claimed responsibility for Trump’s election win is found dead
Paul Horner, 38, was found in his Laveen, Arizona apt on Sept 18
Horner allegedly has a history of prescription drug abuse
Authorities found evidence Horner may have died from an accidental overdose
Fake news writer Paul Horner was found in his apt outside Phoenix, Ariz., Sept 18
The fake news writer who claimed responsibility for President Trump’s astounding 2016 election victory was found dead in his Laveen, Arizona home at the age of 38.
Paul Horner was found in his bed on Sept. 18, and an autopsy found no signs of foul play, Sheriff’s Office spokesman Mark Casey announced Tuesday.
The 38-year-old had a history of prescription drug abuse, his family said. Evidence at the scene suggests that Horner may have died from an accidental overdose, according to the sheriff’s office.
Toxicology reports from the medical examiner’s office, as well as the official cause of death, are still pending.
Fake news writer Paul Horner, speaks to CNN’s Anderson Cooper about his work.
Some of his incendiary work include a story falsely claiming President Barack Obama was homosexual and a radical Muslim. In another fake news story, he published that protesters were being paid thousands of dollars to demonstrate at Donald Trump’s campaign rallies.
Horner took on greater prominence during the presidential election when false stories were widely shared on social media during the race between Trump and Hillary Clinton.
In an interview with The Washington Post in 2016, Horner said, “I think Trump is in the White House because of me.”
Paul Horner [left], and his brother J.J.
An unrepentant Horner later said he didn’t believe it was possible for Trump to win, appeared shocked that his own stories took off and blamed the President’s supporters for failing to fact-check his claims.
Despite professing a hatred for Trump, he did not express any remorse. Instead, he appeared to take pride in his work, saying there was “purpose and meaning” behind his fake news stories.
Horner, who said he earned $10,000 a month, also told the Arizona Republic in 2016, “I’ve always done the right thing…I’m definitely proud of my life, but more proud of how my writing has become in the last few years.”
Horner’s brother J.J. who said they grew up in Minnesota before moving to Arizona as teenagers, paid tribute to his brother on Facebook: “He will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace brother. I love you so much, I know you’re out there somewhere.”
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