August 22, 2014

DOJ Launches Criminal Investigation Into Foley's Murder

Sarah Jean Seman

8/21/2014 11:50:00 AM - Sarah Jean Seman

Attorney General Eric Holder announced Thursday that the Justice Department has opened a criminal investigation into the execution of American photojournalist James Wright Foley.
Holder's comments were prompted by a question asked at a press conference in Washington, D.C. where he was discussing the $16.5 billion settlement with the Bank of America Corporation.

“The Justice Department is actively pursuing justice in this case. We have an open criminal investigation....

[T]hose who would perpetrate such acts need to understand something. This Justice Department, this Department of Defense, this nation — we have long memories and our reach is very wide. We will not forget what happened and people will be held accountable, one way or the other.”

In his response, Holder dubbed Foley "a symbol of what’s right about the United States."
The FBI confirmed Wednesday that the YouTube video showing an ISIL adherent boorishly beheading Foley was authentic. President Obama even took a slight reprieve from his vacation at Martha's Vineyard Wednesday to offer condolences. In a short, but poignant, speech, he vowed that the United States would continue to "confront terrorism" and to protect its "people and timeless values."
Let us hope that the Obama administration breaks character in this situation and acts on its promise to hold this terrorist organization accountable for the barbaric beheading.