CNN’s Erin Burnett Faces Backlash For ‘Possibly White’ Shooter Remark

CNN anchor Erin Burnett is under fire after speculating live on air that the gunman responsible for Monday’s deadly mass shooting in New York City was “possibly white,” despite surveillance images showing a dark-complexioned suspect. Burnett’s comments, made during a broadcast with CNN Chief Law Enforcement and Intelligence Analyst John Miller, have triggered a wave of criticism on social media accusing the network of “purposeful race-baiting.”

The shooting took place at 345 Park Avenue, where the gunman killed four people and injured one before dying from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. CNN’s coverage, however, has become a controversy of its own.

During the live broadcast, Burnett asked Miller if authorities knew anything about the shooter’s identity.

“They do not know who he is,” Miller replied. “They know he is a male, possibly white. He’s wearing sunglasses. He appears to have a mustache.”

Burnett repeated, “Male, possibly white, mustache, sunglasses in that building,” and later reiterated, “There were a few things that really stood out there sunglasses, mustache, male, possibly white”

Ironically, later in the broadcast Miller noted, “We always have to be mindful that we have to be a little bit guarded on specifics,” highlighting the very caution CNN appeared to disregard.

Burnett’s remarks quickly drew backlash.

• One X user wrote: “CNN anchor Erin Burnett stated live on the air that the obviously not white man, quote, was ‘possibly white.’ Embarrassing attempt to politicize this tragedy.”

• Another said, “@ErinBurnett knows exactly what she’s doing here. Incredible misinformation and irresponsible, purposeful race-baiting. If you don’t know for sure, you don’t say it. Unless, of course, your job is to mislead, stir up confusion, obfuscation and bury facts.”

Critics also pointed to Burnett’s silence during a heated exchange last year when Democratic strategist Aisha Mills made inflammatory remarks about Donald Trump, prompting accusations of double standards in CNN’s handling of racially and politically charged comments.

This latest controversy comes as CNN struggles with declining ratings and public trust, particularly among viewers who see the network as too eager to push divisive narratives. The incident underscores the dangers of speculating without facts during breaking news especially when the topic involves race and public safety.

Conservatives have blasted CNN for attempting to fit the tragedy into a politically convenient storyline. “This is why so many Americans have turned off CNN,” one commentator wrote. “They’re not focused on facts they’re focused on spin.”

As of now, Burnett has not issued an apology or clarification.

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