Fox hackers claim Barack Obama is dead (he isn't)

by Steven Mostyn - Jul 4 2011, 19:24

Those pesky hackers have been at it again, this time directing their shenanigans towards Fox News in a prank that announced to the world that U.S. President Barack Obama had been assassinated.

Specifically, hackers from the ‘ScriptKiddies’ group have claimed responsibility for hijacking the official Fox News Twitter account in order to convey their somewhat morbid message.

“@BarackObama has just passed away,” read the seemingly authentic tweet. “Nearly 45 minutes ago, he was shot twice in the lower pelvic area and in the neck; shooter unknown. Bled out.”

And, not satisfied with one piece of completely unfounded sensationalism, the group proceeded to post another five tweets that all revolved around the president’s apparent death.

Fox News is no stranger to having its security breached, according to geek.com, and has been hacked three times in the last six months—one of which led to the leaked details of X-Factor (USA) contestants.

While yet again wiping egg off its face, Fox has since resumed control of its Twitter account and turned a beady eye towards the micro-blogging service in terms of apportioning blame.

“We will be requesting a detailed investigation from Twitter about how this occurred, and measures to prevent future unauthorized access into FoxNews.com,” commented Fox News Digital vice president Jeff Misenti.

“FoxNews.com regrets any distress the false tweets may have created,” he added in an official statement.

If resulting reports are accurate, President Obama is currently residing in The White House and Vice President Joe Biden has not been sworn into Obama's vacated position.

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