Associated Press Twitter Account Hacked, 'Syrian Electronic Army' Claims Responsibility For AP Hack

The Associated Press' Twitter account was hacked on Tuesday, April 23 with an erroneous post that two explosions went off at the White House and that President Barack Obama was injured in the blast.

AP's Twitter account has since been suspended and it remains unclear who is responsible for the hack although Your Anonymous News is reporting the "Syrian Electronic Army" is claiming responsibility. AP released a statement indicating that there have been several recent attempts to gain access to passwords of AP journalists. Immediately following the erroneous post, other affiliated AP Twitter accounts, such as @APStyleBook, announced that the AP's account was hacked and that the report about an explosion at the White House was completely false.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged briefly in reaction to the AP's White House tweet but has since returned to normal operating levels on Tuesday.

This is a developing story. Follow this live blog for all the latest updates.

5:18 p.m.: The AP Twitter hack and fake White House tweets is reminiscent of the NBC News incident during the 10 year anniversary of 9/11.

5:13 p.m.: Who exactly is the Syrian Electronic Army? Learn more about their motives and why they are attacke media organizations.

5:11 p.m.: The AP Twitter hack had a very real impact on the world's economy with the Dow Jones plunging 145 points moments after the fake White House tweet. The White House responded to the AP hack and assured everyone President Obama was fine.

2:56 p.m.: AP said in a statement phishing attempts were made to their corporate network, which included phishing for journalist's passwords. AP reiterates the News Wire has not been compromised.

2:29 p.m.: More details about the Syrian Electronic Army: On Tuesday the group took credit for hacking the Twitter accounts of FIFA and its president, Joseph Blatter. SEA is also taking responsibility for the hack of CBS's Twitter account on April 21.

2:23 p.m.: The Dow Jones, crude oil prices and 10-year Treasure notes all dipped briefly in response to the fake AP tweet about an explosion at the White House, reports Yahoo News.

2:19 p.m.: All AP Twitter accounts have been suspended as a cautionary measure as they check for any security issues.

2:01 p.m.: @AP_Politics and @AP_Courtside are temporarily suspending tweets as AP and Twitter continue to investigate the AP Twitter hack and to make sure the remaining AP accounts are secure.

1:45 p.m.: In addition to the Associated Press's main Twitter account, @AP_Mobile has also been suspended. The Syrian Electronic Army posted a photo of the hacked AP Twitter account with the fake White House tweet on its Twitter account.