Key Takeaways:

• A federal official linked to the IWWG ran a secret X account pushing conspiracy ideas.
• The account claimed the Jan 6 pipe bomb plot was an inside job and attacked a DOJ prosecutor.
• The IWWG aims to review alleged political weaponization by Biden-era officials.
• Posts came from former Air Force officer Carolyn Rocco, who publicly signed her comments.
• The episode raises concerns about blurring lines between official duty and personal views

IWWG Official’s Tweets Reveal Hidden Agenda

A member of the Interagency Weaponization Working Group used a pseudonymous X account to spread bold claims. The account insisted the attempted Jan 6 pipe bombing was orchestrated from within. It also shared a video of a pro-Trump activist accusing a lead prosecutor of “covering up the fed-surrection.” By tagging high-profile figures like former Attorney General Pam Bondi, the post urged them to clean house rather than watch cable news.

How the IWWG Official Spread Conspiracy Theories

Behind the handle @Krow121812, the account shared an interview with Enrique Tarrio. He’s the former Proud Boys leader pardoned by Trump after a seditious conspiracy conviction. In that clip, Tarrio said a top Justice Department lawyer tried to pressure him into implicating Trump. Reuters later reported that prosecutors did offer leniency in exchange for evidence tying Trump to Jan 6. The post mocked the DOJ, suggesting insiders were hiding the real plot against Trump supporters.

Who is Carolyn Rocco

Carolyn Rocco worked as an Air Force officer at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. She openly thanked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in September for reinstating unvaccinated troops. She even signed that tweet as Lt. Col. Carolyn Rocco. In another post, she confirmed her ODNI role by thanking Director Tulsi Gabbard for leading oath-taking ceremonies. These public clues quickly revealed her as the mind behind the account.

Attacks on a DOJ Prosecutor

Much of the secret account’s ire targeted Jocelyn Ballantine, deputy chief of the DOJ National Security Section. She led the Proud Boys prosecution and oversaw Michael Flynn’s case. Trump supporters have repeatedly blamed her for harsh treatment of Jan 6 defendants. The X account reshared a video of far-right provocateur Ivan Raiklin stalking Ballantine outside court. He shouted that she would not keep her job without his intervention, calling her role in Jan 6 a cover-up.

Why the IWWG Matters

The Interagency Weaponization Working Group began last April to review claims of government power used for political ends. Its members include officials from the ODNI, CIA, FBI, DOJ, and other agencies. According to a spokesperson, the IWWG just collects facts and evidence on possible illegal weaponization. Critics worry it may instead serve to advance Trump’s “drive for retribution” against perceived enemies.

Blurring Lines Between Work and Personal Views

When a high-level official spreads conspiracy theories online, it challenges public trust in impartial justice. The secret account’s posts attacked both the DOJ and FBI for their handling of the pipe bomb case. They accused law enforcement of staging the plot to smear Trump’s base. This mix of personal belief and public role risks undermining faith in federal institutions.

Other Actions by the Account

Earlier, the account joined a group of right-wing figures pledging to court-martial Biden-era leaders over COVID-19 mandates. It appeared on a podcast hosted by an election denier. It also attacked Dr. Terry Adirim, a military health advisor, accusing her of “genocide” for vaccine rules. After she moved to a CIA role, she sued the agency for defamation and due process violations. Her proposed lawsuit may add the IWWG and Rocco as defendants.

The Impact Going Forward

This case raises tough questions. Can officials use secret social accounts to push wild claims? Will the IWWG face limits to keep bias out of its work? So far, the ODNI says the account did not act on behalf of the group. It also says it won’t seek any dismissals. Yet the public now sees how quickly personal views can erode confidence in justice.

Ultimately, citizens must wonder whether their leaders work for truth or revenge. These hidden X posts by a top IWWG official show how online words can shape trust in government. They serve as a warning that social media and official duty must stay clearly separated.

FAQs

Who is Carolyn Rocco?

She’s a former Air Force officer at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. She served on the Interagency Weaponization Working Group and ran the secret X account.

What does the IWWG do?

The IWWG, or Interagency Weaponization Working Group, reviews claims that government power was misused for political attacks. It gathers evidence from many federal agencies.

What conspiracy theories did the X account push?

The account claimed the Jan 6 pipe bomb attempt was an inside job. It also accused a DOJ prosecutor of covering up that plot.

Could this change rules for officials on social media?

Possibly. The controversy may lead agencies to tighten guidelines on how officials use personal accounts to share opinions about ongoing cases.

How did the ODNI respond?

The ODNI says the official did not post on behalf of the IWWG and that it has no plans to remove any members over these social media posts.