“We are already under overlying fields, crisscrossing fields, of martial law,” Jones said in one recent video. That post linked to Alternative Media Television’s online store, which sells “emergency survival” gear and “emergency preparedness” food supplies.Īlex Jones, the conspiracy theorist behind the website, also has been pumping out misinformation on the issue while selling his own survivalist supplies, including face masks. It’s a murky concept that hasn’t been defined in American law - as we’ll explain later.Īs for the rumors hyping the idea that military rule is looming, the Facebook page for “ Alternative Media Television” recently warned its more than 145,000 followers: “STORM IS COMING TO AMERICA!!!! MARTIAL LAW NEXT 24 HOURS!!!!!!” Generally, martial law is military authority substituted for civil government during periods of unrest.

The following day, Defense Secretary Mark Esper clarified: “To be clear, this is not a move toward martial law, as some have erroneously claimed.”Įsper was responding to persistent online rumors that martial law is either currently in place or very near. President Donald Trump mobilized the National Guard on March 22 in Washington, California and New York - three states that have been hit hard by COVID-19 - to assist with everything from distribution of food to set-up of medical tents. Those bogus reports are being pushed in some cases by those who sell emergency and survivalist products. Viral social media posts and videos have falsely claimed that “martial law imminent” in the U.S.

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