Facebook users questioned the legitimacy of a story posted Monday by Infowars and Zero Hedge, which claimed 300 people had signed up for “gun training” after an Ohio sheriff offered free classes for 50 teachers.
The story was covered by a Cincinnati news station last Monday after Sheriff Richard Jones of Butler County announced on social media that he would be offering free “concealed and carry” classes to teachers along with “training on school shootings.”
I am going to offer free concealed and Carry class free 2 teachers in butler county. Limited number. Details coming soon on line. Also training on school shootings.
— Richard K. Jones (@butlersheriff) February 18, 2018
Soon after the classes were announced, the Facebook page of the Butler County Sheriff’s Office announced that they had received more than 50 emails in the first 20 minutes.
By Tuesday morning, Jones tweeted that the classes had reached the limit “at 300 requests.”
We have reached our limit right now, we’ve cut it at 300 requests. We will be in contact soon about classes and times. Thank You!
— Richard K. Jones (@butlersheriff) February 20, 2018
The story was covered by CNN, Fox, and several other outlets last week. Currently there is no reason to doubt the sheriff department’s claim. Jones announced last week that classes would be held for school personnel everyday this week and live-streamed part of Monday’s training.
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