FACT CHECK: Social Media Post Purports To Show George Santos’ Mugshot
A post shared on Facebook purports to show New York Republican Rep. George Santos’ mugshot.
Verdict: Misleading
The photo is both cropped and digitally edited. In the original photo, which has been uploaded to The Associated Press’ newsroom, Santos can be seen outside a meeting in Washington, D.C.
Fact Check:
Santos pleaded guilty to charges accusing him of duping donors, lying to Congress about being a millionaire, and more Wednesday, according to The Associated Press. The New York Republican Representative also said he wouldn’t resign from office, according to local outlet ABC 7 NY.
“Whatever you do, please don’t share this brand new mugshot of Trumper Congressman George Santos,” the Facebook post’s caption purports. The post includes a close-up photo of Santos wearing a white shirt, light gray zip-up jacket, blue suit coat, and blue and white tie.
The claim is misleading, as the photo is both cropped and digitally edited. In the original photo, which has been uploaded to The Associated Press’ newsroom, Santos can be seen outside a meeting in Washington, D.C. Two men, both holding cell phones and an exit sign, are also visible in the shot.
“UNITED STATES – JANUARY 10: Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., is seen outside a House Republican Conference meeting in the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, January 10, 2023,” the image’s caption reads.
Because the image is edited and predates Santos’ May 10 arrest, it cannot possibly be his mugshot. Furthermore, in a photo of him speaking to the media on May 10, Santos can be seen wearing a blue suit coat, dark gray sweater and white shirt with no tie.
“U.S. Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., speaks to the media outside the federal courthouse in Central Islip, N.Y., Wednesday May 10, 2023. Santos pleaded not guilty to charges alleging a financial fraud at the heart of a political campaign built on dubious boasts about his personal wealth and business success,” this image’s caption reads. (RELATED: Did George Santos Tweet That Martin Luther King, Jr. Encouraged Him To Run For Congress?)
Furthermore, Santos’ purported mugshot has not been included in any credible news reports about his recent arrest. The New York Republican Representative has also not publicly addressed the claim via his website or social media accounts.
Check Your Fact has contacted Santos’ office for comment and will update this piece accordingly if one is received.