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NJ equestrian shot through the lungs by her Olympic trainer tells all — and says he’s twisting the truth for ratings

Nypost · · 1157 words · By Jeanette Settembre
Mental Health and Legal Accountability Media Representation and Truth Victim vs. Perpetrator Narrative
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NJ equestrian shot through the lungs by her Olympic trainer tells all — and says he’s twisting the truth for ratings Equestrian Lauren Kanarek remembers feeling surprisingly normal after being shot twice in the chest by her Olympic horse trainer.

Claims checked 16
Techniques found 2
Topics 3

Coverage spectrum

Coverage gap: Low Center coverage
Left50%
Center0%
Right50%

2 sources compared across this story cluster. This is an eFinder estimate from indexed source coverage, not an editorial rating.

What happened

NJ equestrian shot through the lungs by her Olympic trainer tells all — and says he’s twisting the truth for ratings Equestrian Lauren Kanarek remembers feeling surprisingly normal after being shot twice in the chest by her Olympic horse trainer.

Why it matters

“When you’re shot at point blank range, and bullets just go through you, you’re still walking around.

Common ground

The damage is happening, but you’re not feeling it happening,” she told The Post.

Perspective signals

The tension in the story is sharpened by Loaded Language, Name Calling / Labeling: language that can make the dispute feel more urgent, personal, or adversarial than the underlying facts alone.

open_in_new Read the original article: https://nypost.com/2026/04/15/us-news/equestrian-shot-through-her-lungs-by-her-t…

psychologyPropaganda Techniques Detected

eFinder identified 2 propaganda techniques in this article. These signals explain how wording, emphasis, or missing context can shape a reader's interpretation.

warning
Loaded Language 90% confidence
Using words with strong emotional connotations to influence an audience.
Found in this article: eFinder flagged this technique because the story's framing or source language may guide readers toward a particular interpretation. Review the claim checks and evidence below to separate what is directly supported from what is implied by wording or emphasis.
Why it matters: Recognizing loaded language helps readers compare the article's framing with the underlying facts and with coverage from other sources.
warning
Name Calling / Labeling 80% confidence
Attaching a negative label to a person or group to reject them without evidence.
Found in this article: eFinder flagged this technique because the story's framing or source language may guide readers toward a particular interpretation. Review the claim checks and evidence below to separate what is directly supported from what is implied by wording or emphasis.
Why it matters: Recognizing name calling / labeling helps readers compare the article's framing with the underlying facts and with coverage from other sources.

fact_checkClaims Checked

eFinder analyzed this article and checked 16 claims against available evidence, cross-references, web search, and Wikipedia. Here is what the fact-checking layer found.

check_circle Corroborated 6
schedule Pending 6
info Single Source 3
help Insufficient Evidence 1
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Claim 1: “first responders’ proximity on August 7, 2019”
CORROBORATED
Multiple sources explicitly state the shooting occurred on August 7, 2019.
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web search NEUTRAL — In the world of equestrian sport, Michael Barisone, has been called a legend. At the pinnacle of his career, his training guided multiple horses and dressage...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7rxCyfBIEo8
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web search NEUTRAL — On 7th August, 2019, Lauren Kanarek (one of Michael Barisone’s students) was shot twice in the chest at Hawthorne Hill Farm. The person holding the gun?
https://www.crimeandinvestigation.co.uk/articles/shooting-at…
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web search NEUTRAL — Lauren Kanarek, 44, was shot in the chest, twice, by her horse trainer, Michael Barisone, in August 2019 and remembers calling 911 herself, she told The Post. Saul Martinez for NY Post. “Your lungs ar…
https://nypost.com/2026/04/15/us-news/equestrian-shot-throug…
info
Claim 2: “Police officers happened to be less than a mile down the road and were able to treat the wound”
SINGLE SOURCE
While evidence confirms the shooting occurred and that Kanarek called 911, the specific detail that police were 'less than a mile down the road' and provided the immediate treatment is not explicitly stated in the provided search results.
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web search NEUTRAL — Who Is Michael Barisone? Kanarek moved to Hawthorne Hill in 2018 with her partner, Rob Goodwin, to train under Barisone and board her horse on the property. At the time, Barisone was one of the most r…
https://www.aetv.com/articles/hawthorne-hill-shooting-lauren…
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web search NEUTRAL — During Kanarek’s phone call with the police, her fiancé, Robert Goodwin, could be heard arguing with Barisone. Kanarek recalled to The Post: "When you’re shot at point blank range, and bullets just go…
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/tv/what-happene…
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web search NEUTRAL — What Lauren said. Lauren Kanarek wasn’t silent. She started posting about her frustrations on Facebook and making serious allegations about Barisone.He was also found not guilty of the attempted murde…
https://www.crimeandinvestigation.co.uk/articles/shooting-at…
schedule
Claim 3: “She and Goodwin moved her horses from her home in North Carolina to Barisone’s sprawling, 60-acre Hawthorne Hill farm”
PENDING
This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.
schedule
Claim 4: “Barisone has been banned from dressage by the US Center for SafeSport’s disciplinary database for sexual harassment, emotional misconduct and violating the National Governing Body for Equestrian Sports bylaws.”
PENDING
This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.
schedule
Claim 5: “Before the shooting, police were also called to the farm at least six times, by both Kanarek and Barisone.”
PENDING
This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.
schedule
Claim 6: ““Untold: The Shooting at Hawthorne Hill,” from Netflix, out April 21.”
PENDING
This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.
schedule
Claim 7: “In the week leading up to the shooting, Barison phoned 911, accusing Kanarek and Goodwin of trespassing, failing to pay rent and harassment, according to NJ.com”
PENDING
This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.
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Claim 8: “He went to jail for two and a half years as he awaited trial”
CORROBORATED
Three separate sources confirm that Barisone spent two and a half years in prison/jail while awaiting trial.
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web search NEUTRAL — While awaiting his trial, Barisone spent two and a half years in prison. In the end, the jury found Barisone was not guilty by reason of insanity (for one count of first-degree attempted murder) and f…
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/tv/what-happene…
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web search NEUTRAL — Barisone, who spent two and a half years years in prison until his acquittal, was civilly committed for evaluation at the Ann Klein Forensic Center in Trenton for 30 days in the wake of the verdict.
https://www.today.com/popculture/michael-barisone-now-untold…
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web search NEUTRAL — Barisone spent two and a half years behind bars before being acquitted in April 2022.
https://www.aol.com/articles/olympic-equestrian-michael-bari…
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Claim 9: “Psychiatrists diagnosed Barisone with a delusional disorder and persistent depressive disorder”
CORROBORATED
Evidence confirms a psychiatrist for the defense diagnosed Barisone with delusional disorder and persistent depressive disorder.
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web search NEUTRAL — Delusional disorder is an uncommon and serious mental disorder that "percolates and develops over time," according to Simring. Delusions are false beliefs based on incorrect inference about external r…
https://www.yahoo.com/news/doctors-offer-vastly-differing-di…
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web search NEUTRAL — Barisone pleaded not guilty using an insanity defense, alleging that Kanarek's harassment triggered a "mental defect." A psychiatrist for the defense said Barisone suffered from delusional disorder an…
https://www.aol.com/articles/olympian-michael-barisone-shot-…
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web search NEUTRAL — Michael Barisone will spend at least the next six months in treatment at Greystone Park State Psychiatric Hospital, after the judge who presided at his attempted murder trial expressed concern today t…
https://horsesport.com/due-south/michael-barisone-will-have-…
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Claim 10: “Barisone was arrested and charged with two counts of attempted murder of and two counts of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.”
CORROBORATED
Three independent sources confirm Barisone was charged with two counts of attempted murder and two counts of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
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web search NEUTRAL — Mr Barisone was also charged with two counts of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, local prosecutors said.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-49291171
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web search NEUTRAL — An indictment was returned Wednesday by a Morris County grand jury charging Barisone with two counts of attempted murder and two counts of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose. The indictmen…
https://www.morriscountynj.gov/Morris-County-News/Morris-Pro…
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web search NEUTRAL — Along with the two counts of attempted murder, Barisone was also charged with two counts of possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose.
https://www.espn.com/olympics/equestrian/story/_/id/27350839…
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Claim 11: “His release was granted under conditions that he remain in New Jersey, get regular treatment from a psychologist, and refrain from contacting Kanarek. He was also forbidden to possess firearms.”
INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE
No evidence was provided in the search results regarding the specific conditions of his release (remaining in NJ, psychological treatment, no contact, firearm ban).
info
Claim 12: “Kanarek was placed in a medically induced coma and underwent surgery to repair damage to her left lung.”
SINGLE SOURCE
The provided evidence for this claim consists of generic Wikipedia entries for the name 'Lauren' and clothing brands; there is no medical evidence provided in the search results regarding a medically induced coma or specific lung surgery for Lauren Kanarek.
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Lauren is mostly a feminine given name. The name's meaning may be "laurel tree", "sweet of honor", or "wisdom". It is derived from the French name Laurence, a feminine version of Laurent, which is in …
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lauren
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Shop Lauren Ralph Lauren women's clothing & accessories to discover dresses, shirts, handbags, and more. Free Shipping With an RL Account & Free Returns.
https://www.ralphlauren.com/brands-lauren
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web search NEUTRAL — Dr. Lauren Geyer is a family medicine physician who provides comprehensive healthcare for patients of all ages. As a Doctor of Osteopathy, she takes a whole-person approach to medical care,...
https://doctor.webmd.com/doctor/lauren-geyer-ac0035e2-66c1-4…
info
Claim 13: “He was sent to Anne Klein Forensic Center psychiatric hospital in Trenton, NJ, for evaluation before being transferred to Greystone Park Psychiatric Hospital in Morris Plains where he remained until his release in November 2023.”
SINGLE SOURCE
One source mentions he was committed to the Ann Klein Forensic Center for 30 days and another mentions he would spend time at Greystone Park, but the specific timeline and the release date of November 2023 are not corroborated by multiple sources in the provided evidence.
schedule
Claim 14: “Barisone, who had been a member of the 2008 US Olympic team.”
PENDING
This claim was extracted as a checkable statement from the article. eFinder labels it pending based on the available evidence and source context shown below.
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Claim 15: “In April 2022, a jury in Morris County, NJ, found Barisone not guilty by reason of insanity on one count of first-degree attempted murder and one count of second-degree possession of a weapon. He was acquitted on the other counts.”
CORROBORATED
Multiple sources confirm that in April 2022, a Morris County jury found Barisone not guilty by reason of insanity for one count of first-degree attempted murder and one count of second-degree possession of a weapon, and acquitted him of other charges.
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — A jury in Morris County, N.J., found Barisone not guilty by reason of insanity for one count of first-degree attempted murder and one count of second-degree possession of a weapon. The jury also found…
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/15/sports/olympics/michael-b…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — A Morris County jury on Thursday found Michael Barisone, a one-time Olympic equestrian and coach, not guilty by reason of insanity in the shooting of Lauren Kanarek. The jury returned a standard not g…
https://www.nj.com/morris/2022/04/nj-olympian-not-guilty-by-…
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web search NEUTRAL — On April 15, 2022, a jury found Barisone not guilty by reason of insanity for one count each of first-degree attempted murder and second-degree possession of a weapon for shooting Kanarek.
https://www.aol.com/articles/olympian-michael-barisone-shot-…
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Claim 16: “the shots — fired by Michael Barisone, 62, at his farmhouse in Long Valley, New Jersey”
CORROBORATED
Multiple independent web sources confirm that Michael Barisone, age 62, shot Lauren Kanarek at his farmhouse in Long Valley, New Jersey.
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — However, the shots — fired by Michael Barisone, 62, at his farmhouse in Long Valley, New Jersey, the culmination of a dispute about Kanarek and her fiancé living there — had punctured her lung and she…
https://nypost.com/2026/04/15/us-news/equestrian-shot-throug…
travel_explore
web search NEUTRAL — Michael Barisone had faced attempted murder and other charges for the August 2019 shooting of Lauren Kanarek. Kanarek and her fiancé, Michael Goodwin, had been living and training horses at Barisone’s…
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/jury-…
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web search NEUTRAL — Lauren Kanarek, 44, was shot in 2019 by Olympic horse trainer Michael Barisone, 62, at his farmhouse in Long Valley, New Jersey. The shooting followed a dispute involving Kanarek and her fiancé, who h…
https://www.wideopencountry.com/lauren-kanarek-shot-netflix-…
info Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by AI and should be used as a starting point for critical thinking, not as definitive truth. Claims are verified against publicly available sources. Always consult the original article and additional sources for complete context.