National Press Club Statement on Report FBI To Open Investigation In Shireen Abu Akleh Case

WASHINGTON, Nov. 14 – Following is a statement from Jen Judson, president of the National Press Club, and Gil Klein, president of the National Press Club Journalism Institute, on the decision by the FBI to open an investigation into the killing of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, an American citizen working for Al Jazeera.

“We understand from news reports that the FBI has taken the important step of opening an investigation into the killing of highly regarded journalist Shireen Abu Akleh who was shot and killed while wearing a vest marked PRESS and working with her camera crew in the West Bank near Jenin May 11. This is an appropriate step given that Shireen is a U.S. citizen and that she may have been targeted by the Israeli Defense Forces whose actions she was covering that day. Without an independent and professional investigation leading to justice, all press working in the West Bank are at risk of their lives. Without this action by the FBI, the violence against Shireen was done with impunity which is a lethal threat to a free and independent press.”

Founded in 1908, the National Press Club is the world’s leading professional organization for journalists. The Club has 3,000 members representing nearly every major news organization and is a leading voice for press freedom in the U.S. and worldwide.

The National Press Club Journalism Institute promotes an engaged, global citizenry through an independent and free press and equips journalists with skills and standards to inform the public in ways that inspire a more representative democracy. As the non-profit affiliate of the National Press Club, the Institute powers journalism in the public interest.

Contact: Bill McCarren, 202-662-7534