Aaron Rodgers Responds To Accusations Of Sandy Hook Conspiracies

NEWTOWN, CT — New York Jets quarterback and vice-presidential hopeful Aaron Rodgers has denied accusations that he shared conspiracy theories about the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

"As I'm on the record saying in the past, what happened in Sandy Hook was an absolute tragedy," Rodgers said in a post on X Thursday afternoon.

He continued: "I am not and have never been of the opinion that the events did not take place. Again, I hope that we learn from this and other tragedies to identify the signs that will allow us to prevent unnecessary loss of life. My thoughts and prayers continue to remain with the families affected along with the entire Sandy Hook community."

CNN first reported the accusations Wednesday, citing multiple sources — one of whom said Rodgers told them that "Sandy Hook never happened" and "all those children never existed." That source asked to remain anonymous to prevent harassment, according to the outlet.

Rodgers was also accused of sharing his beliefs with journalist Pamela Brown, who had just met Rodgers at a post-Kentucky Derby party in 2013 when he berated the news media for what he claimed was misrepresenting stories like the Sandy Hook tragedy, CNN reported.

Rodgers reportedly claimed to Brown that the shooting was a "government inside job" that the media was "intentionally ignoring."

The tragedy unfolded on Dec. 14, 2012, when a 20-year-old gunman slaughtered 26 people at Sandy Hook Elementary School before killing himself.

It was the deadliest mass shooting in Connecticut history and the deadliest ever at a U.S. elementary school. In the days and years that followed, "Sandy Hook" has entered the lexicon as a metaphor for senseless gun violence.

Rodgers is among the potential vice-presidential prospects for Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Also on Kennedy's shortlist for running mates is Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura.

Now playing for the New York Jets, Rodgers was quarterback for the Green Bay Packers from 2005-2022. Previously, he played college football for the California Golden Bears. He is often considered to be one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.

Read the full report in CNN.