Generally, it's a case of media trying to conflate flash suppressors (sparing the vision of the shooter) with noise suppressors (with the implied intent of prov

Generally, it's a case of media trying to conflate flash suppressors (sparing the vision of the shooter) with noise suppressors (with the implied intent of providing cover for homicide). I think a lot of that is inspired by bad 1970s TV and film depictions of screw-on "silencers" (including on revolvers).