Alex Jones concedes Sandy Hook massacre was '100% real'

Conspiracy theorist radio host Alex Jones has admitted that he now understands the weight of his decision to publicly claim the Sandy Hook Elementary School mass shooting was a hoax. In fact, the far-right radio host even insisted that the shooting was "100% real.
On Wednesday, August 3, Jones testified and shared details about his interactions with the parents of Sandy Hook victims. According to Jones, meeting with the parents ultimately changed his perspective. “It was ... especially since I’ve met the parents. It’s 100% real,” Jones testified.
However, the parents of the victims have made it clear an apology, alone, will not be enough. According to Associated Press, they are seeking a minimum of $150 million.
READ MORE: Alex Jones tells court he is too sick to testify in Sandy Hook defamation case
Jones was reportedly the only individual to testify defending himself and his media company, Free Speech Systems. The radio host's attorney also asked him if he is now aware of how "'absolutely irresponsible' to push the false claims that the massacre didn't happen and no one died."
His testimony came just one day after Neil Heslin and Scarlett Lewis spoke on behalf of their son, Jesse Lewis who was killed during the mass shooting. “I am a mother first and foremost and I know you are a father. My son existed,” Lewis said speaking to Jones. “I am not deep state ... I know you know that ... And yet you’re going to leave this courthouse and say it again on your show.”
At one point during the exchange, Lewis also asked Jones: “Do you think I’m an actor?”
“No, I don’t think you’re an actor,” Jones responded.
READ MORE: 'A living hell': Sandy Hook parent recounts Alex Jones-inspired threats
Lewis also explained why she believes monetary damages are necessary. Although Jones now insists he believes the shooting was real, Lewis is not convinced he will stop as she noted that there still has not been a real apology.
"There has not been a sincere apology," she said. "But if there was, ever, I liken it to being in a car accident and you run over someone and cause tremendous bodily damage and you look at that person lying on the ground and say, 'I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry, I'm not accountable for any of the damage I just caused. But I'm sorry.' That's how I see it."
Jones' latest remarks come just weeks after his refusal to accept accountability in the defamation case. According to the court transcripts, Jones also explained why he did not believe he was at fault.
“No, I don’t (accept) responsibility because I wasn’t trying to cause pain and suffering,” Jones said, per the transcripts. “And this is they are being used and their children who can’t be brought back being used to destroy the First Amendment.”
Jones added, “If questioning public events and free speech is banned because it might hurt somebody’s feelings, we are not in America anymore. They can change the channel. They can come out and say I’m wrong. They have free speech.”
READ MORE: Families of Sandy Hook victims strike down Alex Jones’ settlement offer: report
- Alex Jones tells court he is too sick to testify in Sandy Hook ... ›
- 'A living hell': Sandy Hook parent recounts Alex Jones-inspired ... ›
- Families of Sandy Hook victims strike down Alex Jones' settlement ... ›