Deep-fake video targets Scottsdale vice mayor's proposal for synagogue crosswalk - 12News
A deepfake video targeting Scottsdale Vice Mayor Adam Kwasman surfaced amid controversy over a proposed crosswalk to his synagogue, raising concerns about antisemitism and misinformation.
- Incident date
- May 2026
- Target
- Adam Kwasman
In May 2026, Scottsdale Vice Mayor Adam Kwasman became the target of a deepfake video amid a debate over a proposed crosswalk to his synagogue. The video, posted on social media, falsely portrayed Kwasman in a manner that he and others have described as antisemitic.
What happened
The four-second silent video appeared to show Kwasman at a City Council meeting. Text accompanying the video claimed Kwasman was securing a special crosswalk for his temple at a cost of $500,000. Kwasman stated that the video was not him and that the scene depicted did not occur. He also confirmed he had sought funding for the crosswalk, intended to serve his Orthodox synagogue and a neighboring church, to accommodate increased foot traffic during the Sabbath when Orthodox Jews do not use motorized vehicles. The video was posted by an activist group that opposes various city projects.