Part 1/14:

Inside the Mind of a Conspiracy-Fueled Arsonist: The Case of Shawn Aaron Smith

A Personal Descent into Radicalization

In a revealing journalistic exploration, author and Wired contributing editor Brendan Kerner delves into the disturbing story of Shawn Aaron Smith, a young man from San Antonio, Texas, whose life spiraled into chaos and violence driven by conspiracy beliefs surrounding 5G technology. Smith’s journey underscores how feelings of purposelessness, personal hardship, and online radicalization can culminate in destructive acts.