An ex-pastor who left the US for Scotland after the Capitol riot is working to debunk conspiracy theories that have “radicalised” religion and politics in his homeland. Jared Stacy decided to leave America after armed groups invaded the government building in Washington following Donald Trump’s defeat in the White House election.
The 32-year-old blames right-wing religious groups for spreading false claims generated by the shadowy political movement QAnon. He is now working on a PhD at Aberdeen University on how conspiracy theories gripped Americans – and why many wanted the US presidential election result overturned.
Jared, who no longer identifies as an evangelist, said rioters used Christianity as justification for violent behaviour – and he became concerned when church colleagues failed to condemn it. He added: “It was all predicated on God’s will that this election be overturned and their candidate installed in office. That is dangerous.
