Nikki Kahn/The Washington Post via Getty Images(WASHINGTON) — Comet Ping Pong, a popular Washington D.C. pizza place, is seeing an influx of visitors and supporters after it became the center of a fake news story.
The restaurant made headlines last weekend when Edgar Welch, 28, traveled to the nation’s capital from North Carolina and allegedly fired a rifle inside the restaurant. Police said he was there to “self-investigate” “Pizzagate,” a categorically false conspiracy theory circulated online that alleged Comet Ping Pong was hiding a child sex ring linked to Hillary Clinton and her campaign manager John Podesta.
According to court documents, Welch surrendered to police when he found no evidence of the allegations in “Pizzagate.” He is now facing charges including assault with a deadly weapon.
Clinton weighed in on the story this week in a rare, post-election appearance.
“It’s now clear that so-called fake news can have real-world consequences,” she said Thursday.
The community has rallied to support Comet Ping Pong since the incident with fearless and dedicated customers stopping by to purchase pizza and drinks and play ping pong.
“I’m angry that [the restaurant] has been targeted by lies,” one Comet Ping Pong visitor told ABC News.
The restaurant also started a GoFundMe page to raise money for security and legal expenses. As of Saturday night, over $19,000 was raised.
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