No collusion is necessary. It works with any number of people. Even if just one person receives* a single death threat then they can change the subject. Everyo

No collusion is necessary. It works with any number of people. Even if just one person receives* a single death threat then they can change the subject. Everyone in that person's tribe, already disclined to listen or accept any criticism of their partisans, will line up to condemn the death threats and welcome the change of subject. They might recognize this as part of a PR strategy, or not, it doesn't affect the execution. That's assuming there is no intent to handle the PR disaster. Most organizations in this position will have or appoint someone to come up with some messaging strategy, whether that is a spokesman or PR firm or private mailing list. But the effect is really the same. No conspiracy required.