Rogan blasts CNN coverage of NYC attack, calling it 'kooky' and absurd

AUSTIN, TEXAS: Joe Rogan criticized a report by CNN about an incident in New York City involving two men accused of throwing improvised explosive devices, describing the wording as a misleading way to frame a serious situation.

During an episode of his podcast that premiered on March 11, Wednesday, Rogan read aloud a post from CNN’s social media account that described the suspects’ day in unusually casual terms before referencing their arrest.

Rogan argued that the wording minimized the severity of the incident and suggested it sounded as though the suspects had simply encountered an unexpected turn of events.

His remarks came as he spoke with podcast guests Francis Foster and Konstantin Kisin, who laughed as Rogan read the report.

Joe Rogan says CNN headline was 'preposterous'

Rogan began by criticizing how the headline was written, saying the framing made the situation appear far less serious than it actually was.

“The headline in CNN is, believe it or not, preposterous. The CNN one is so kooky. You see their headline and you're like, what kind of story are you painting here?”

He continued by suggesting the language made the suspects’ actions sound like an ordinary day that unexpectedly took a bad turn.

“This is such a crazy way to frame a guy who attacked people people. They made it sound like, well, just regular fellas, it sounded like it was just a regular day.”

Rogan then joked that the framing suggested events simply “went a little sideways somewhere along the line.”

Reading from what he said was the original post, Rogan quoted the message: “Two Pennsylvania men crossed into New York City Saturday morning for what could have been a normal day, enjoying the city during abnormally warm weather. But in less than an hour, their lives would drastically change as the pair would be arrested for attacks.”

Rogan reacted incredulously to the wording, arguing that it portrayed the suspects in an oddly sympathetic light. 

“Why would you even say that? Could have been a normal day if they weren't going there to attack people.”

During the segment, Rogan’s guests Foster and Kisin laughed as he read the post and commented on the wording. 

Authorities investigate attack

The incident referenced in the discussion occurred during a tense protest near Gracie Mansion, the official residence of the mayor of New York City.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani said individuals involved in the confrontation threw improvised explosive devices toward a protest area outside the residence.

According to police, one device was lit before being thrown toward the demonstration, but it extinguished itself near a police barrier before an explosion could occur.

Authorities later said the device contained nuts, bolts, screws and a fuse, and investigators noted it could have caused serious injuries if it had detonated.

Two suspects were arrested at the scene, and federal investigators joined the inquiry as officials continued examining the devices and the circumstances surrounding the confrontation.