Skip to main content

Anonymous: We didn’t threaten Westboro Baptist Church

westboro-baptist-church-anonymousWestboro Baptist Church (WBC) is not a target of Anonymous, according to a new press release by the elusive hacker group. In fact, says Anonymous, the open letter that targeted Westboro Baptist was actually written by the church itself — not Anonymous — in order to gain publicity.

To recap: Late last week, an open letter addressed to WBC appeared on the Anonymous website AnonNews.org declaring all-out war on the Kansas-based congregation for their homophobic and hate-fueled protests, which often target the funerals of homosexuals and fallen US soldiers.

“We, the collective super-consciousness known as ANONYMOUS – the Voice of Free Speech & the Advocate of the People – have long heard you issue your venomous statements of hatred, and we have witnessed your flagrant and absurd displays of inimitable bigotry and intolerant fanaticism,” the letter reads. “We have always regarded you and your ilk as an assembly of graceless sociopaths and maniacal chauvinists & religious zealots, however benign, who act out for the sake of attention & in the name of religion.”

The letter goes on to declare all-out war on WBC, saying that if the church does not comply to demands to shut down their websites and fully cease and desist operations, Anonymous will incur “irreversible” damage to WBC and its congregation.

Westboro Baptist quickly responded to the letter posted on AnonNews with their own, surprisingly hilarious, open letter, telling the hackers to “bring it.”

“A puddle of pimple-faced nerds organized under the cowardly banner of ‘Anonymous’ claim they plan to hack Wesboro’s Websites,” the WBC letter says. “…Bad miscalculation, girls!”

As you might guess, the letter goes on to say, “God will defeat your council; your efforts will fail,” etc, etc…

Problem is, Anonymous apparently didn’t write the original letter threatening WBC. According to an Anonymous press release posted to AnonNews on February 20, the “Operation Westboro” letter was actually written and posted by WBC in an attempt to draw more attention to itself.

Anonymous — which has successfully waged cyber-attacks against Visa and Master Card, as well as the governments of Tunisia, Egypt and Yemen — goes on to warn fellow members not to attack Westboro Baptist’s web properties because it’s just “a trap.” To the media (us), Anonymous says that, “just because it was posted on AnonNews” doesn’t automatically mean it’s Anonymous-sanctioned.

While the hackers deny declaring this attack, they do leave the option of a future battle open for consideration:

“We are not BAWWWING sissies, nor are we afraid of your false god; we’re just really busy,” says the press release. “Stay tuned, and we’ll come back to play another day. We promise.”

Editors' Recommendations

Andrew Couts
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Features Editor for Digital Trends, Andrew Couts covers a wide swath of consumer technology topics, with particular focus on…
Best Chromebook deals: Get a new laptop for just $169
The new Lenovo Chromebook Duet 5 sitting on a desk.

Chromebooks are more than just budget alternatives to Windows-based laptop deals. These Chrome OS-powered devices offer quick boot times, excellent productivity support, and full access to the Google Play Store, so they're perfect for those who need a mobile workstation. They range from ultra cheap options that still provide smooth performance because of the reliance on cloud-based apps instead of installed software, to more powerful and stylish machines that maximize the operating system's capabilities. You can also enjoy significant savings if you're patient enough to search for the best Chromebook deals.

There's no shortage of offers from retailers that involve Chromebooks, but since they're in high demand, it's  recommended that you proceed with the purchase immediately if something catches your eye. To help you out, we've rounded up some of the best Chromebook deals that you can shop right now -- surely one of these will meet your needs and budget.
Today's best Chromebook deals
Acer Chromebook 314 -- $169, was $269

Read more
Best laptop deals: Get a new laptop for work or play from $169
ifa 2019 acer announces new line of chromebooks chromebook 314 cb314 1h 1ht 08

A new laptop can be an important investment, so you want to be sure you get the right laptop for your needs and the right laptop for your budget. There’s no single laptop that perfectly accommodates everyone, which is why we’ve rounded up details on several laptops among the best laptop deals currently available. From Apple laptops to PCs and from large laptops to Chromebooks, we’ve got everything you need to know to save on a laptop that works for you.
Acer Chromebook 314 — $169, was $269

The Acer Chromebook 314 is a great Chromebook made to suit the computing needs of just about anyone. It’s great in a tight spot like a classroom or a coffee shop, as it’s super light and fits in just about any bag or backpack. But it’s also a great device for settling in with at a desk and diving into hours of office work. It comes with an Intel processor and a 14-inch Full HD touchscreen display, and even when you’re pushing it to the brink of its capabilities the Chromebook 314 is able to sustain all-day battery life. Like all of the best student Chromebooks, the Acer Chromebook 314 is an impressive device that combines computing capability with affordability.

Read more
How to clean a laptop fan
Cleaning a laptop fan with air blower.

Let's face it: Laptops get dirty. That's true on the exterior, where sweat and grime can accumulate. The good thing is, is that it's obvious when a proper cleaning is in order. But what about inside a laptop? That gets dirty as well, as a laptop's thermal system works to pull air in to keep things cooled down. Inevitably, dust and other particles get sucked inside and accumulate around the fans.

Read more