In an astonishing mix-up, a man fatally shot in Fresno, California, was incorrectly identified as notorious gangster Goldy Brar. The actual victim, identified by Fresno police as Gladney Xavier, fell prey to a gang-related shooting this Tuesday evening. This misidentification led to a viral social media frenzy where the death of Goldy Brar was widely reported and discussed for nearly 18 hours before being corrected.
Rumours and Social Media Chaos
The confusion began early Wednesday when over a dozen social media accounts, allegedly associated with rival groups in the US and Canada, initiated rumours of Brar’s death. These claims quickly escalated into a viral topic. By Thursday, the internet was awash with memes and posts about Brar, some even humorously suggesting he had “reincarnated,” accompanied by images of him with Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala, who was himself a victim of violence.
Police Clarification
The Fresno Police Department has been quick to address the misinformation. In their official statement, they clarified that the deceased was Gladney Xavier, not Goldy Brar. They detailed that officers responded to a ShotSpotter activation at the intersection of Fairmont and Holt Avenues, where they found Xavier suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite prompt medical attention, Xavier was pronounced dead upon arrival at the Community Regional Medical Center (CRMC).
Additional Casualty
In a related but less severe incident, a 13-year-old juvenile was also shot at the same location and later arrived at CRMC with non-life-threatening injuries. This juvenile was reportedly present at the scene of Xavier’s shooting, highlighting the broader impact of such violent episodes on the community.
Public Response and Ongoing Investigations
As the community reels from this tragic event, local authorities are working diligently to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting and to correct any misinformation circulating online. The Fresno police urge the public to rely only on official reports to avoid spreading unverified information.
This incident underscores the rapid spread of misinformation and its potential to create confusion and distress among communities, emphasizing the need for careful scrutiny of information shared online.
