Carson’s political beliefs and work with drug policy reform have made him a target for conspiracies and vitriol online. Popular pundits like Andy Ngo, Matt Walsh, and Nick Fuentes have all brought up Carson’s death, blaming it on “leftism,” anti-cop beliefs, and soft-on-crime sentiments. “The Ryan Carson story shows how leftism short circuits your brain and interferes with your ability to make common sense, instinctive judgment calls,” Walsh wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Rolling Stone: He Was a Beloved Activist. Right Wingers Are Using His Death to Fuel a Targeted Harassment Campaign