Fake image showing an explosion at the Pentagon goes viral on Twitter - sending markets plummeting

A suspected AI-generated image claiming to show an explosion near the Pentagon went viral on Twitter Monday, sending markets crashing. Dozens of verified accounts - including national news organizations - reshared what shows black smoke billowing up from the ground next to a white building. The image appears so realistic that people became frantic as it circulated the platform around 10 am ET, which caused the S&P 500 to drop 10 points in five minutes as the image went viral. The Arlington Fire Department swiftly debunked the event, stating that'there is no explosion or incident taking place at or near the Pentagon reservation.' It comes as fears about the power of artificial technology in spreading misinformation, particularly in the build-up to the 2024 Presidential Election.