ROCHESTER, MINNESOTA: In a tragic turn of events, Michael Protzman, the leader of a QAnon cult known for his obsession with former President John F Kennedy, has died due to injuries sustained in a motobike accident. However, despite the issuance of an official death certificate, Protzman's followers remain steadfast in their belief that he is still alive.
The incident occurred last Friday, June 30, when Protzman, aged 60, lost control of his dirt bike during a motocross event. He was rushed to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, but succumbed to multiple blunt-force injuries a week later, as confirmed by Vice News.
Is Michael Protzman dead?
Protzman gained notoriety in 2021 through the Telegram channel he managed, amassing a large following as he propagated conspiracy theories and lore. Notably, he claimed that JFK Jr was the Archangel Michael, while Donald Trump was believed to be the Holy Spirit. Utilizing gematria, an ancient Jewish numerology code, Protzman interpreted and translated messages to support his theories.
Although Vice reported the official confirmation of Protzman's death, some of his followers dismissed the news as fake. In online chats, his followers were informed that he had suffered a brain injury. Shelly Mullinax, a former follower who had a falling out with Protzman, remains convinced of the conspiracies he spread about JFK and believes his death is part of a larger plan. Mullinax stated, "If that was the plan that God had for him, I know that everything is going to be revealed soon."
Protzman's influence
Mullinax went on to claim that the deceased Protzman was an "evil version" of himself and that the "good" Protzman, who she believes is actually JFK Jr wearing a mask, is still alive. Despite this narrative, an admin in a Telegram channel associated with Protzman's followers announced that posts related to his death would be removed until "absolute verification" was obtained.
The notoriety of Protzman and his followers reached a peak in November 2021 when he convinced hundreds of them to gather in Dallas. Promising that JFK Jr would make a public appearance near the site of his father's assassination, Protzman declared that JFK Jr would announce a joint presidential run with Donald Trump. Doubters at the Dallas event were swiftly silenced, with one follower being criticized for her "lack of faith" when she questioned the validity of Protzman's claims.
JFK Jr and QAnon Beliefs
JFK Jr, a prominent figure within the QAnon conspiracy movement, has garnered attention from believers who speculate that he is the anonymous leader, Q. At the Dallas rally, video footage, and photographs captured the crowd reciting the pledge of allegiance while awaiting the anticipated appearance of JFK Jr. Despite a heavy downpour, attendees clung to their soaked signs and banners proclaiming "Trump/JFK JR 2020."
Following the disappointment in Dallas, Protzman revised his conspiracy theories and proclaimed that he had been in contact with President Trump, confirming that Trump was, in fact, JFK Jr. After this revelation, Protzman purportedly attended Trump rallies held throughout the country.
