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Facebook to take down false reports of antifa arson in Oregon

Facebook said Saturday it would take down erroneous posts claiming anti-fascist activists have been maliciously sparking wildfires in Oregon and other Western states.

The announcement came after multiple organizations, including the Douglas County Sheriff's Office in Oregon, issued warnings on social media about the false rumors, and another sheriff's department placed a deputy on leave after he was seen on video suggesting fires were being started by antifa adherents.

Authorities have arrested one person, Michael Bakkela, 41, in connection with one of Oregon's 38 actives wildfires, which have caused at least eight deaths.

He is accused of sparking up brush as the Almeda Fire in Phoenix, Oregon, was already burning, Jackson County Sheriff's officials said Friday.

Authorities have also had to contend with residents setting up road blocks in Multnomah County, where sheriff's deputies have urged residents to leave the law enforcement up to them.

Original article
Author: Nbcnews

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