FACT CHECK: Did Obama Remove 500,000 Pedophiles From Background Check Database?
A post shared on social media purports that in former President Barack Obama removed 500,000 pedophiles from the background check database in 2018.
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Verdict: Misleading
The claim is inaccurate. Certain fugitives from the database following a definition change, which doesn’t single out pedophiles.
Fact Check:
A second staffer for former President Barack Obama was with chef Tafari Campbell when he drowned near Obama’s Martha’s Vineyard home recently, The New York Post reported. The female staffer, who was not named, tried to save Campbell from drowning, according to the outlet.
The Twitter post claims Obama removed a large number of pedophiles from a database. The post shares a screenshot of an article covering the claim stating, “Obama Removed 500,000 Pedophiles From Background Check Database.”
“Barack Obama ordered the FBI to remove over 500,000 names of potential murderers and pedophiles from the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, acting FBI director David Bowdich testified Wednesday,” a sub headline reads.
The claim is inaccurate. There is no credible news report that suggests Obama removed these pedophiles. The headline was from a website called The People’s Voice. The article cites a report from The Washington Post suggesting the FBI purged thousands of names from the National Instant Criminal Background Check System, which is used by gun stores to confirm that they can legally sell a firearm to a particular customer.
The article states the purge came after the Justice Department changed the definition of “Fugitive from justice” to only include those who are wanted and have crossed state lines. The reason for this change was to match the definition that the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was using.
The FBI updated their guidance on the definition of a Fugitive from Justice. The Washington Post reported that these fugitives were all pedophiles. (RELATED: Did RFK Jr. Meet With Then-President Trump To Lead A Vaccine Safety Commission?)
This is not the first time a misinformation has been shared online. Check Your Fact recently debunked a claim that Mel Gibson requested protection from Hollywood elites.
