Controversy Over USA Today Report on Terror Suspect’s Family
The White House has expressed strong disapproval of a report from USA Today, labeling it as “disgraceful.” The article discusses the potential deportation of the family of Mohamed Sabri Soliman, the main suspect in a fire-bombing attack targeting Jewish Americans in Boulder, Colorado.
On Wednesday, the article was published with the title “Boulder’s daughter dreamed of studying medicine. Now she is facing deportation.” It highlighted the aspirations of Soliman’s teenage daughter, Habiba Soliman, who had hoped to pursue a career in medicine. The piece also mentioned her father’s legal troubles, as he faces charges stemming from a hate crime committed against peaceful Jewish demonstrators.
Faced with significant backlash online, the publication revised the headline to something more direct: “Habiba Soliman wanted to be a doctor. Then her father bombed the Jewish marcher in Boulder.” USA Today claimed the article was updated with new details.
Sources have revealed that Soliman, a 45-year-old Egyptian national, overstayed his visa after entering the U.S. during the Biden administration. He is accused of attacking a peaceful demonstration with Molotov cocktails, resulting in injuries to more than a dozen individuals, including an 88-year-old Holocaust survivor.
Calls for Deportation
Soliman’s family is currently in federal custody, with their visas revoked, and the process for their removal is underway.
In a statement, Kristi Noem, Executive Director of DHS, stated that her agency is investigating the family’s connection to the attack. She mentioned the importance of determining any awareness or support the family might have had regarding Soliman’s actions.
USA Today also drew attention to Habiba’s disrupted future, noting her previous aspirations and her efforts to improve her English language skills.
Political Reactions
Reactions to the article have been largely unfavorable. Sen. Cynthia Lummis from Wyoming referred to it as a “disgraceful article,” arguing that it should focus on the victims of the attack rather than on the family of the suspect. Conservative commentator John Husson echoed this sentiment, criticizing the outlet for profiling the terrorist’s family instead of mentioning the impacted victims.
Joe Concha, a Fox News contributor, slammed the publication’s approach, suggesting that it lacked depth. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson also condemned the article, stressing that it should have highlighted the victims of the attack over offering sympathy to the suspect’s family.
“USA Today should apologize to the victims and their families for this dishonest work that seeks to gain sympathy for the terrorist family,” Jackson stated.
As of now, USA Today has not responded to requests for further comment. The controversy continues to unfold as more details emerge regarding the attack and its aftermath.
