Hackers have falsely posted messages declaring that President Barack Obama had been shot dead after breaching into the Twitter account of US news broadcaster Fox News.
The @foxnewspolitics tweet read, "BREAKING NEWS: @BarackObama assassinated, 2 gunshot wounds have proved too much."
It is believed that the hackers started posting messages on the Fox News Politics account around 07.00 BST on 4 July.
One stated, "Just regained full access to our Twitter and email. Happy 4th."
The next one stated, "@BarackObama has just passed. The President is dead."
Hackers, calling themselves as "The Script Kiddies" have claimed responsibility for the Fox News hack.
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In another tweet they said, "#ObamaDead, it’s a sad 4th of July. RT to support the late president’s family, and RIP. The shooter will be found".
They added, "@BarackObama shot twice at a Ross’ restaurant in Iowa while campaigning. RIP Obama, best regards to the Obama family."
A representative of the hacker group told Think that they were like another popular hacker group Anonymous.
The representative said, "I would consider us to be close in relation to Anonymous, 2 of the members of our group were members of Anonymous. I was a member of Anonymous," adding "We hope to be working with them soon."
The hacker said, "We are looking to find information about corporations to assist with antisec. Fox News was selected because we figured their security would be just as much of a joke as their reporting."
