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Verifying viral claims of the shooting spree in Charlotte

WCNC is verifying the claims swirling surrounding a shooting spree in Charlotte.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — There have been multiple claims about a shooting spree in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

WCNC Charlotte has seen so many claims on social media. Many of these videos have incorrect information so before you share something you need to make sure it's correct.

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OUR SOURCES

CLAIM

The first claim is that multiple people were involved in the shootings.

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ANSWER

We can confirm that this is true. CMPD said two teenagers were arrested during their investigation. 

This is true.

CLAIM

The shooter was a sniper 

ANSWER

CMPD did not use that word in their news conference. Here's what we can confirm, police say the suspect shot from a moving vehicle using a stolen gun. 

This is inconclusive.

CLAIM

The victims were random 

ANSWER

We can confirm that yes police say the victims were targeted randomly

This is true.

CLAIM

Another major claim we are following concerns other shootings that happened just before the shooting spree.
On Monday, CMPD investigated three deadly shootings all across Charlotte. But false claims are circulating about their connection. Many on social media say all of these shootings were connected 

ANSWER

We can verify this is false, all these deadly shootings are not connected.
CMPD said the only shootings with a possible connection happened between 1:00 a.m. and 1:30 a.m. early Tuesday morning. 

This is false.

VERIFY is dedicated to helping the public distinguish between true and false information. The VERIFY team, with help from questions submitted by the audience, tracks the spread of stories or claims that need clarification or correction. Have something you want VERIFIED? Text us at 704-329-3600 or visit VERIFY.

WCNC Charlotte's Verify series is all about trying to make a difference in the Carolinas by making sure the community has the correct information. WCNC Charlotte outlines concisely what we know and what we don't know. Sometimes the answer can be surprising. Watch previous stories where we verify social media claims in the YouTube playlist below and subscribe to get updated when new videos are uploaded.

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