**Far-Right US Radio Host Alex Jones Condemned for Spreading ‘Completely False’ Claims After Welsh Church Fire**
Police and community leaders in South Wales have moved swiftly to refute “completely false” claims made by far-right US radio personality Alex Jones regarding a recent fire at a historic church in Port Talbot. The incident underscores ongoing concerns about the proliferation of misinformation online, especially when sensitive events become the focus of international conspiracy theorists.
The blaze, which tore through the disused Bethany English Calvinistic Methodist Chapel on Station Road last Thursday, sparked widespread interest and speculation on social media platforms. The 19th-century Grade II-listed building, often referred to locally as Bethany Presbyterian Church, has stood since 1879 but ceased operation in 2000. Last week’s fire caused significant damage to its structure, prompting a major emergency services response.
Amid genuine concern within the local community, disinformation quickly gained traction online. Prominent among those spreading unsubstantiated claims was Alex Jones, well-known for his incendiary opinions and lengthy history of promoting conspiracy theories. Jones, whose reputation made global headlines in 2022 when he was ordered to pay £1.32 billion in damages to families bereaved by the Sandy Hook school shooting due to his false statements, again found himself at the centre of controversy.
On X (formerly Twitter), Jones alleged the church fire was part of a “massive attack” on Christianity, further suggesting that people risked arrest simply for complaining about such incidents. In a similar vein, an additional account with a sizable following propagated the unfounded assertion that Pakistani Muslims were responsible for the blaze. Both posts lacked any supporting evidence yet were widely disseminated, having garnered over 5 million views, according to platform metrics.
South Wales Police acted promptly to dispel these rumours, responding directly underneath the offending posts with clear and concise statements. “This is completely false information,” read the official police reply. “Two teenagers, both from Neath Port Talbot, have been arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with this incident.” The individuals in question are understood to be a 14-year-old boy from Sandfields and a 15-year-old boy from Bryn, both local to the area. The authorities have emphasised that there is absolutely no connection between the fire and any racial or religious motive.
Despite these efforts at clarification, the police statement has so far been viewed under 400,000 times – a fraction of the reach achieved by the original, misleading claims. This has reignited debate about the challenges facing law enforcement and news media in combating viral misinformation, particularly that which appeals to existing prejudices or emotional triggers.
Firefighters from the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service arrived at the scene shortly before 7pm on Thursday, supported by colleagues from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, as flames ripped through the historic church. Crews employed six water jets and a turntable ladder as a water tower to help control and extinguish the fire. Efforts to completely put out the remaining hot spots reportedly continued into the early hours of Friday morning.
While the precise cause of the blaze remains under investigation, South Wales Police have made clear there is no basis for xenophobic theories being circulated online. Investigators have stated that community safety and public trust are of paramount importance and have encouraged the public to seek information from reputable sources.
As Port Talbot residents come to terms with the loss of a part of their architectural heritage, this episode serves as a stark reminder of the impact false narratives can have when amplified through social media. The local community and authorities alike have urged people not to share unsubstantiated claims and to remain vigilant to the dangers of online misinformation.
For further updates and accurate information, residents are encouraged to follow verified channels and official statements from South Wales Police and local news outlets. The story highlights the broader societal responsibility to fact-check and challenge questionable online content, ensuring events are reported truthfully and sensitively.