A 64-year-old man in Indianapolis is lucky to be alive after a Facebook post meant to silence critics led attackers straight to his home.
Anthony McNary said the trouble began when people online called him broke. Upset by the comments, he shared a picture on Facebook showing what looked like a large amount of cash. What viewers did not know was that the photo was not real. It was taken from an old post and meant as a joke.
Two days later, that joke turned violent.
McNary said two men came to his house wearing tactical vests marked “police.” At first, they claimed they were officers. But it quickly became clear they were not there to help him.
According to McNary, one of the men demanded, “Where’s the money at? Where’s it at? I seen what you posted on Facebook. Where’s the money at?’”
McNary told them the truth. He said the cash was fake and the post was just a prank. That answer did not stop the attack.
When the men realized there was no money in the house, they beat him. McNary said he was hit with a gun and choked. Then one of the attackers placed a gun to the back of his neck and fired.
“He just stuck the gun to the back of my head and pulled the trigger. I couldn’t believe it. Over a fake post,” McNary said.
Despite the close-range shot, McNary survived. Police arrived shortly after and rushed him to the hospital, where he spent several days recovering.
As he lay injured, McNary said one thought kept repeating in his mind. “I said to myself, ‘I’m about to die over a fake post.’ That’s what I was saying to myself,” he said.
The suspects have not been caught. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department says the investigation is still ongoing.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers at 317-262-TIPS (8477). Tips can be given anonymously.