Video from 2023 shared as 'defense units' formed after Trump assassination attempt

What's the claim?

A video circulating on social media purports to depict U.S. military veterans forming civil defense units following an attack on former President Donald Trump on July 13, 2024.

This claim emerged after an assassination attempt on Trump during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, which resulted in one death and left two others critically injured. The shooter, 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, was killed after firing eight shots.

The video, a 22-second, low-resolution clip, provides a high-angle view of a crowd in a room. The individuals, wearing vests with a yellow logo on the back, are reciting the Pledge of Allegiance: “I pledge allegiance to the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

On X (formerly Twitter), the video is captioned: "Veterans form civil defense units in the United States after the failed assassination attempt on Trump." Archived versions of these posts are available here and here.

Similar claims in other languages, including Arabic, have amassed approximately 536,300 views. Archives of these posts are available here, here, and here.

Screenshots of the viral claim. (Source: X/Modified by Logically Facts)

The video also appeared on Facebook, with archived posts available here, and here.

However, this footage actually originates from a June 2023 conference hosted by the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association (CVMA), a nationwide network of former U.S. service members.

What we found

A reverse image search reveals that the video was posted on Instagram by the account CVMA® CA 33-12 (archived here) on July 10, 2023. This account represents the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association in South Los Angeles and North Orange County.

The caption shared with the video reads: "This is what it's all about 🫡🇺🇸 Opening of the 2023 National Convention of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association® June 10, 2023. Held this year at the @coloradospringseventcenter." The post credits the video to an account called ‘Sporty Spice’ (@saltysailor_jesse), a now-unavailable page.

Screenshot of the Instagram post by CVMA® CA 33-12 on June 10, 2023. (Source: Instagram)

The CVMA is a 501(c)(19) veterans' charity composed of combat veterans from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces who are passionate about motorcycling. Their mission is to support and protect those who have defended the U.S. and its freedoms through various events and donations.

Visual cues

The viral clips include an overlay text: “Courtesy video of CVMA CA 33-1a.” CVMA Chapter 33-1 is based in San Diego, California.

Screenshot from the viral video highlighting the overlaid text that reads: “Courtesy video of CVMA CA 33-1a. (Source: X/Modified by Logically Facts)

In the clip, participants wear vests with a round shield emblem in black, yellow, and red. This emblem matches that of the CVMA, featuring the text "Combat Vets Association," along with a red and yellow skull and an ace of spades.

Comparison of a screenshot from the viral clip showing people wearing vests with a round shield emblem in black, yellow, and red, with the emblem of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association. (Source: X/Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association)

When was the event held?

The CVMA’s Instagram post indicates that the event took place on June 10, 2023. Additionally, the CVMA website’s event calendar confirms that the CVMA National Convention was held from June 6-11, 2023, in Colorado Springs. The calendar entry states: “Region VIII looks forward to welcoming you to Colorado Springs. 6-11 June 2023 for the CVMA®? National Convention. There is a lot of fun riding to do in the surrounding area, and we look forward to seeing you all."

Screenshot of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association website showing their event calendar for June 2023. (Source: Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association)

This confirms that the event depicted in the video aligns with the convention’s schedule.

Logically Facts also contacted the CVMA for comment on the viral video. Josh Smith, a commander of the organization, confirmed: "I can verify that the video in question is from our 2023 National Convention, held June 10, 2023. The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association® is an apolitical organization and does not endorse any political activity."

The verdict

The video does not show U.S. veterans forming civil defense units following an attack on former President Donald Trump on July 13, 2024. Instead, it depicts a meeting of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association held in 2023.

Follow Logically Facts' coverage and fact-checking of the U.S. Election 2024 here.