RT America (formerly Russia Today), a Russian propaganda channel linked to interfering with the 2016 presidential election mysteriously interrupted the online feed of C-SPAN on Thursday afternoon. The Cable Satellite Public Affairs Network is well-known for televising U.S. federal government proceedings, political events, and U.S. Congress gavel-to-gavel coverage. Occasionally, the channel covers Australian, British, and Canadian proceedings as well. The cut into the broadcast occurred around 2:30 p.m. EST. For about 10 minutes, viewers saw an anchor reporting on a suicide bombing in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Oddly enough, the interruption happened while California Democrat Rep. Maxine Waters started criticizing a Republican bill she stated would harm the regulatory authority of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Waters also saved some criticism for President-elect Donald Trump, regarding his selection of someone with strong ties to Wall Street as head of the SEC.
Considering the recent onslaught of foreign interference and cyber-attacks against the U.S., and Trump's fondness for Vladimir Putin, Waters found it curious that this latest Russian-related "break-in" occurred during her speech. She stressed the importance of C-SPAN providing a clear and concise explanation for the intrusion.
Are there too many Russian-related occurrences to be deemed mere coincidence?
All of a sudden, there seems to be a Russian invasion of the U.S. in some form or fashion. As for C-SPAN's woes, a spokesperson for the network said they are not entirely sure what happened, but the situation is being investigated in case a routing issue is not ruled out.
The spokesperson added that RT is a network that is monitored regularly. Reportedly, the electrical power company Pepco had de-energized a system which feeds power into the Hart Senate Office Building, but has since restored the power. A surge-breaker is also being examined.
Not all of the public is thoroughly convinced
As News of this odd interruption traveled, Twitter users quickly voiced their opinions.
One user wrote that the mysterious mishap was a slap in the face or a dagger in the back from the Kremlin. The person added that Russia was enjoying mocking the U.S. after meddling in the election. Too often, when it looks like or quacks like a duck, it is a duck.
