Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/someone-is-harassing-crime-witnesses-in-philadelphia-via-instagram Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Someone is harassing crime witnesses in Philadelphia via Instagram Nation Nov 8, 2013 11:50 AM EDT Screen shot of profile for Instagram user rats215 The Philadelphia Inquirer reports an Instagram social media account called Rats215 has been publishing photos of sealed court documents, witness identifications and threats against crime witnesses since February. The account, which appears to have now gone offline, had 7,900 followers and posted 150 photos. The Inquirer reports that some commenters on the photos appear to have been supportive of the illegal activity. The account has been updated almost daily, and each new post draws dozens of comments and "likes" from readers, with some of the commenters advocating violence against those who help police... "Post some new rats," one commenter wrote in September. "I needa put a hit out on them." Police in Philadelphia found the account last week when an officer monitoring Twitter discovered photos of a witness from a 2012 case. The Inquirer reports authorities are searching for the individual behind the account, and trying to determine how sealed information found its way online. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now
Screen shot of profile for Instagram user rats215 The Philadelphia Inquirer reports an Instagram social media account called Rats215 has been publishing photos of sealed court documents, witness identifications and threats against crime witnesses since February. The account, which appears to have now gone offline, had 7,900 followers and posted 150 photos. The Inquirer reports that some commenters on the photos appear to have been supportive of the illegal activity. The account has been updated almost daily, and each new post draws dozens of comments and "likes" from readers, with some of the commenters advocating violence against those who help police... "Post some new rats," one commenter wrote in September. "I needa put a hit out on them." Police in Philadelphia found the account last week when an officer monitoring Twitter discovered photos of a witness from a 2012 case. The Inquirer reports authorities are searching for the individual behind the account, and trying to determine how sealed information found its way online. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now