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USA Today Faces Backlash for Controversial Reporting on Boulder Terror Suspect’s Family
Mainstream media outlet USA Today has come under intense scrutiny from the public and officials alike for its reporting on the family of Mohamed Sabry Soliman, the main suspect in a recent firebombing attack against Jewish Americans in Boulder, Colorado. This incident has sparked outrage over what many are calling “disgraceful” journalism.
Criticism of Reporting
The article published by USA Today featured the headline, “Boulder suspect’s daughter dreamed of studying medicine. Now she faces deportation.” It highlighted the plight of Habiba Soliman, the suspect’s teenage daughter, who had aspirations to pursue a career in medicine. The article’s subheading noted her move to the U.S. in hopes of obtaining an education—an ambition that now appears threatened due to her father’s alleged actions.
Following a wave of criticism on social media, USA Today revised the article’s headline to read, “Habiba Soliman wanted to be a doctor. Then, her father firebombed Jewish marchers in Boulder.” The outlet stated that this revision included updates with new information.
Details of the Alleged Attack
Mohamed Soliman, 45, is confirmed as an Egyptian national who overstayed his visa upon entering the United States. Sources from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) indicated that he arrived during the Biden administration. Reports allege that Soliman launched an attack on a group of peaceful Jewish demonstrators using Molotov cocktails, resulting in severe injuries to more than a dozen individuals, including an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor.
Family’s Legal Status
As a consequence of his actions, Soliman’s family is currently in federal custody, and their visas have been revoked. Sources report that they are undergoing expedited removal processing.
Investigating Family Connections
In an official statement posted on social media, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed an ongoing investigation into the extent of the family’s knowledge regarding Soliman’s alleged attack. She stated, “Mohamed’s despicable actions will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, but we’re also investigating to what extent his family knew about this horrific attack. If they had any knowledge of it or if they provided any support to it.”
Mixed Reactions to USA Today’s Coverage
While USA Today focused on the transformed futures of Soliman’s family members, critics expressed outrage. The article conveyed Habiba Soliman’s hopes for a brighter future, emphasizing her progress in English learning and her ambition to join the medical profession. However, the juxtaposition with her father’s alleged violent actions led many to question the ethics of the coverage.
As discussions surrounding the coverage intensified, Sen. Cynthia Lummis from Wyoming voiced her discontent on social media, labeling the report as “a disgraceful article.”
Calls for Victim-Focused Reporting
Lummis stated, “Instead of carrying water for the family of an illegal alien terrorist, USA Today should spend some time and ink talking about the victims of this heinous crime.” Other commentators echoed her sentiments, suggesting that the outlet had misplaced its focus.
Critics, including conservative commentator John Hasson, added that highlighting the terrorist’s daughter diverted attention from the victims who suffered. Hasson remarked, “A terrorist sets elderly Jewish Americans on fire and USA Today profiles the terrorist’s daughter—not the victims.”
Responses from Public Figures
Politicians and public figures across the political spectrum have condemned Soliman’s actions as well as the media’s treatment of his family. Various voices have emerged, stressing the need for accountability and highlighting the emotional toll on the victims of the attack.
Fox News contributor Joe Concha asserted, “There is no bottom for these publications. None.” His statement reflects a broader concern regarding the responsibility of media outlets in reporting sensitive topics, especially those involving acts of terrorism and their aftermath on communities.
White House Weighs In
Abigail Jackson, the White House spokesperson, called USA Today’s article “disgraceful” in a statement to Fox News Digital. Jackson emphasized the obligation of media to accurately represent the victims involved. She criticized the decision to focus on an illegal terrorist’s family instead of the innocent lives affected by the attack.
Jackson urged for a shift in narrative, stating, “Instead of drooling over an illegal terrorist’s family, USA Today should have profiled the innocent victims targeted by this sick individual that was allowed into our country by the Biden Administration.” She concluded with a call for the publication to apologize to the victims and their families.
A Moment for Reflection in Journalism
The controversy surrounding USA Today’s reporting highlights significant issues in journalistic ethics and responsibility. It opens a vital conversation about the media’s role in portraying events involving terrorism and their impacts on innocent lives. As this discussion evolves, it urges both journalists and consumers of news to reflect on what constitutes responsible reporting, particularly in such tragic and polarizing circumstances.
