Viewing a single comment thread. View all comments

brockj84 t1_irfgg6v wrote

It was pepper spray.

The article states, in the same sentence, that it was an unknown substance known to be pepper spray.

182

Pufflekun t1_irfl953 wrote

The substance is believed to have originated from a so-called "pepper spray can": a strange and ominous device, previously unknown to man.

67

YanksFan9891 t1_irgvcc9 wrote

If someone is whacked out enough to spray a pepper spray can on a train, why are you so quick to assume they aren’t whacked out enough to fill it with a different substance? It’s called responsible reporting (admittedly shocked I’m saying that about the sun) to not state an obvious assumption as fact until it’s actually confirmed as such…

−1

Pufflekun t1_irgy388 wrote

I would argue that writing a deliberately-misleading headline is the opposite of responsible reporting.

"Unknown substance" has a completely different connotation than "substance alleged to be pepper spray."

26

YanksFan9891 t1_irgydvg wrote

That is a fair and valid point. Not sure I agree with it, because your preference still implies something it may be not, whereas “unknown substance” is the most exact and correct term for what it actually is at the time the article was written. I don’t necessarily disagree with you either though. See where you’re coming from.

−8

[deleted] t1_irhfu4s wrote

lol! You think some dumbass who does something like this has the equipment to pour substances in a sealed and pressurized can lying around in their basement. Smh

2

sevensimons t1_irgpcge wrote

My housemate was there. She said people were vomiting and passing out and she inahled it and her eyes didnt hurt at all but she said it felt like inhaling fiber glass. Not so sure it's pepper spray.

21

an_ornamental_hermit t1_irgr3wi wrote

That is terrifying, and it makes me wonder whether they are saying "pepper spray" to avoid panic. I am sorry for your housemate and I hope she is ok.

12

crimsonpomp145 t1_iri6hrp wrote

Thank you. I keep seeing this headline posted and it makes it sound like it was some new mysterious bio weapon chemical being unleashed upon the city

4