I agree, but since the message wasn’t sent out to the entire galaxy in my version, it makes sense that it seems like this is the first everyone has heard about it all.

Didn’t you do this just to line up with CF’s TRoS novel edit, which (I believe?) used that edit to line up with Hal’s edit?

Personally, I feel like Palpatine wouldn’t send a message like that to the entire galaxy until he has possessed either Rey or Kylo. Otherwise, he is essentially claiming victory before his plan has gone through.

It’s called “spreading fear,” he’s done this with the first Death Star so no one would rebel against the Empire.