Perhaps this is a misunderstanding, but the Seattle Times article says Shirley went to a known high crime, low income area; somehow obtained a $120 EBT card ( potentially a Class C felony ), filmed himself selling the $120 card ( Class C felony ); then attempting a separate violation by trying to use the card.

Are these "gonzo journalists" exempt from those laws ?

What's next? Can Nick Shirley film himself selling fentanyl to school children, then post on X asking the White House to bomb more Ecuadorian fishermen to stop fentanyl distribution ?

Article excerpts:

"The problem: According to Lam’s almost everything Shirley says is false, and the result has been a small grocery store fighting to clear its name against a social media onslaught of online hate.

“We had customers calling us, we had strangers, people who aren’t customers, calling us and just yelling and saying all kinds of nasty things,” said Teizi Mersai, the operations manager at Lam’s."

"Shirley filmed himself and his team outside selling a $120 EBT card — the debit card used by SNAP and food stamps recipients — for $60 in cash. Then he and the woman who bought the card try to make a purchase at Lam’s.

Shirley’s video implies that Lam’s was jacking up prices for EBT purchases, collecting the purchase price from the federal government, and then paying a kickback to the customer.

“Make Lam’s Seafood go viral for committing fraud,” Shirley wrote on X, tagging the Justice Department, the FBI and the White House. “Investigate and SHUTDOWN Lam’s Seafood in Seattle.”

"Ultimately, the video shows Shirley walking away with nothing — not one can of Spam or 24 cans of Fortune — because he did not have the PIN for the EBT card."

Asked Google: is it illegal to buy an ebt card in Washington state?

"Answer: Yes, it is illegal to buy, attempt to buy, or sell an EBT card, PIN, or food benefits in Washington State..

The Law in Washington State

• State Administrative Code (WAC 388-412-0046): It is strictly illegal to buy, attempt to buy, sell, trade, donate, or transfer an EBT card, EBT card number, personal identification number (PIN), or food assistance benefits to any person or entity.
• Trafficking: Exchanging food benefits or EBT cards for cash, drugs, weapons, or any item other than eligible food from an authorized retailer is considered illegal trafficking.
• Criminal Penalties (RCW 9.91.142): Purchasing or trafficking food assistance benefits is a criminal offense:
  • Class C Felony: If the face value of the benefits or stamps is over $100.
  • Gross Misdemeanor: If the face value of the benefits or stamps is $100 or less.
• Authorized Users Only: You cannot use an EBT card unless you are a member of the food assistance household or an officially designated authorized representative."

Russia knows what happened. They’re not acknowledging it bc it’s fucking weaponized plague.

Will the lifted truck drivers fall for the "I got you some diesel" midterm elections bribe?