How the Pizzagate conspiracy theory spread across the internet

How the PizzaGate conspiracy developed Comet Ping Pong, a Washington, D.C. pizza parlor, became the center of a right-wing conspiracy theory accusing Democratic operatives of running an underage prostitution ring out of the back of the shop. Click through to see the evolution of the theory. less How the PizzaGate conspiracy developed Comet Ping Pong, a Washington, D.C. pizza parlor, became the center of a right-wing conspiracy theory accusing Democratic operatives of running an underage prostitution ... more Photo: Facebook.com/Cometpingpong Photo: Facebook.com/Cometpingpong Image 1 of / 39 Caption Close How the Pizzagate conspiracy theory spread across the internet 1 / 39 Back to Gallery

It started as a bizarre conspiracy theory about a Washington, D.C. pizza joint, Democratic operatives and allegations of underage prostitution.

Like most conspiracy theories, it had some believers, but no one moved to action, until Sunday. That's when an armed North Carolina man went to Comet Ping Pong - the pizza parlor at the center of the theory - to investigate the claims.

It seems a bit off the wall that someone would go to such lengths to chase down the odd concept that Democrats were calling the place to order up child prostitutes under the guise of wanting a pizza.

ILLEGAL VOTERS?: Donald Trump's conspiracy theory has Texas roots

But, it happened. The original concept started like most conspiracy theories - with an unsubstantiated claim on a website. This one came to life on a thread on 4Chan in July with someone claiming to have inside knowledge of an FBI investigation into the Clinton Foundation stemming from the ongoing sexting investigation of former Congressman Anthony Weiner.

From there, it jumped to a site called Godlike Productions, a self-described forum for "UFOs, Conspiracy Theorists, Lunatic Fringe."

There, someone posting as "Warthog76" floated the theory that the Clintons were running a sex ring with the Clinton Foundation as a front to cover it. Conspiracy theorists said they had info from the FBI, New York Police Department and other officials - none of which has been produced.

STILL BUSY: 53 years later, JFK conspiracy theorists press on

The story gained momentum with a tweet on Oct. 30 from an account that frequently posts pieces backing Donald Trump as well as white supremacist materials.

The initial tweet from someone posting as "David Goldberg" who identifies as a Jewish lawyer from New York and uses an avatar found on the white supremacist site the Daily Stormer was followed by a second similar tweet. That's when the theory took hold and caught fire.

It grew like mushrooms in an unkempt yard from there.

The theory spread across white supremacist and right-wing websites, with people who hate Hillary Clinton buying in.

The restaurant's owner and employees faced social media threats before the election and fake news stories continued to cite Comet Ping Pong as a hub of underage prostitution for the Clintons.

REDDIT REGRETS: Reddit CEO sorry for editing Trump supporters during election

Reddit even banned the topic, but the fake stories continued.

Now, 28-year-old Edgar Maddison Welch of Salisbury, N.C. is in custody, charged with assault with a dangerous weapon.

And, Comet Ping Pong's owner, James Alefantis, took to Facebook to refute the claims made about his establishment and to thank law enforcement for keeping things from getting worse.

"Let me state unequivocally: these stories are completely and entirely false, and there is no basis in fact to any of them. What happened today demonstrates that promoting false and reckless conspiracy theories comes with consequences," Alefantis wrote.