Scotland’s First Minister has condemned Elon Musk for spreading misinformation following an incident in Dundee, where a 12-year-old girl was charged with possession of offensive weapons. John Swinney accused the world’s richest man of deliberately stoking fear and undermining social cohesion in Scottish communities, a situation he called “totally and utterly unacceptable.”
What Happened
The controversy erupted after a video of a young girl apparently brandishing weapons in Dundee was shared widely on social media, amassing millions of views. The footage led to various claims, including the alleged migrant status of those involved, many of which were shared by Elon Musk on his platform, X (formerly Twitter). Musk’s involvement, coupled with posts from far-right activist Tommy Robinson, fueled the spread of misinformation regarding the incident.
The incident reportedly took place on Saturday, August 23, 2025, around 7:40 PM in the St Ann Lane area of the Lochee district. Police Scotland responded to the scene, charging a 12-year-old girl in connection with the offensive weapons.
Who Is John Swinney?
John Swinney, Scotland’s First Minister, expressed deep concern over the misinformation circulating about the incident. Swinney condemned Musk’s role in spreading the claims and pointed out that the Police Scotland warning about misinformation was vital in ensuring public trust in law enforcement and the judicial system. He stated, “We are living in a safer country today than we did 40 years ago,” emphasizing that the spread of misinformation only serves to undermine this fact and disrupt social unity.
Background or Timeline
The incident in Dundee led to a series of claims about the individuals involved, including speculation about their migrant status. Musk shared several posts about the incident, which were seen by his millions of followers, while Robinson also spread similar content, further fueling the controversy. In response, Police Scotland issued a public statement urging people not to share misinformation or speculate about the circumstances.
Chief Superintendent Nicola Russell of Police Scotland’s Tayside Division confirmed the charge against the 12-year-old girl, noting that the investigation was ongoing. She thanked the community for their assistance and again cautioned the public about the risks of spreading inaccurate information.
Public or Social Media Reaction
The incident and the ensuing controversy have sparked widespread debate on social media. Many people have expressed concern over the role of figures like Elon Musk in spreading unfounded claims. Swinney’s condemnation has gained support from various quarters, with people calling for greater responsibility in how influential figures share information, especially when it pertains to sensitive legal matters.
Official Statement or What Happens Next
In response to the public outcry, Police Scotland has reiterated its stance against misinformation, urging people to refrain from sharing unverified information. John Swinney has called for greater control over the flow of information, stressing that the spread of lies and half-truths could disrupt the social fabric of the country. The authorities continue to investigate the incident and have asked the public to respect the process.
Closing
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
