The Leftist news outlet can’t help themselves. They’re constantly saying the wrong things at the wrong times.
And CNN HQ is on fire after being hit with criticism for this appalling report.
CNN Under Fire for Analyst’s Dismissal of FBI’s Terrorism Label in Colorado Firebomb Attack
A violent firebomb attack at a pro-Israel rally in Boulder, Colorado, has sparked intense controversy, with CNN facing sharp criticism after one of its national security analysts, Juliette Kayyem, publicly questioned the FBI’s swift decision to label the incident a “targeted terror attack.” The remarks, aired late Sunday, have ignited a firestorm on social media, with many accusing the network of downplaying the severity of the attack and undermining law enforcement’s response.
The incident unfolded when Mohamed Sabry Soliman, identified as an Egyptian national who overstayed his visa, allegedly shouted “Free Palestine” before hurling firebombs at a crowd commemorating Israeli hostages still held in Gaza. Eight victims, ranging in age from 52 to 88, were hospitalized with injuries, and Soliman was apprehended at the scene. While no criminal charges have been formally announced, authorities have vowed to hold the suspect accountable.
Kayyem, a former Obama administration Department of Homeland Security official and current Harvard professor, sparked outrage when she criticized FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino for their quick classification of the attack as terrorism. “It makes law enforcement look disorganized and it makes the FBI look so juvenile, like why are you getting ahead of the police chief who says ‘I don’t know what this is’,” Kayyem said on air. She further urged caution, stating, “We’re going to take a step back, not be responsive to tweets by two heads of the FBI who don’t have a long history in law enforcement.”
Kayyem’s comments didn’t stop there. She emphasized a wait-and-see approach, saying, “And we will wait and hope it isn’t what we all worry it is – and if it is, then there’ll be an investigation.”
She added that if the investigation confirmed terrorism, she’d be the first to call it a “hate crime.” “But until we do, we all need to, to not follow the FBI’s tweets,” she concluded.
The backlash was immediate and fierce, particularly on social media platforms like X, where users condemned Kayyem’s remarks as dismissive and irresponsible. Video evidence of Soliman’s actions, including his shouts of “Free Palestine” as he attacked the crowd, fueled the outrage.
Ben Williamson, an assistant director in the FBI’s public affairs unit, took to X to defend the agency’s stance: “The guy shouted ‘Free Palestine’ while throwing fire bombs at a crowd of Jewish people. We correctly referred to an investigation of terrorism, will continue to do so and we have zero interest in what either these CNN guests have to say. Kick rocks.”
Another user expressed frustration, writing, “There’s a man on video in Boulder ranting about Zionism as he sets Jews on fire. CNN’s first reaction? Andrew McCabe and Obama official Juliette Kayyem bashing Dan Bongino and Kash Patel as ‘juvenile’ and ‘irresponsible’ for saying this was an ‘act of terror.’”
Calls for accountability grew louder, with one commenter demanding, “Juliette Kayyem’s degrading remarks about the FBI, Patel, & Bongino is unacceptable. She must apologize to them publicly, then she should be fired. The people have had enough of the woke mentality. CNN should be ashamed of itself.”
Why Incidents Like This Fuel Distrust in CNN
This controversy is just one in a long line of incidents that have eroded public trust in CNN. Many viewers perceive the network as prioritizing narrative over facts, especially in high-stakes situations involving political or social issues.
Kayyem’s decision to question the FBI’s judgment before all the evidence was public struck some as an attempt to deflect from the gravity of the attack, particularly given the clear video evidence and the suspect’s reported statements. This approach can come across as dismissive of victims’ experiences and overly cautious to the point of obfuscation.
Moreover, CNN’s history of inviting analysts with strong political affiliations, like Kayyem, who served under a Democratic administration, often leads to accusations of bias. When such analysts appear to downplay or reframe incidents that align with certain ideological leanings, it reinforces the perception that the network is less interested in objective reporting and more focused on shaping public opinion.
The swift social media backlash in this case highlights a growing frustration with what some see as CNN’s tendency to prioritize commentary over clarity.
The network’s reluctance to immediately acknowledge the severity of the Boulder attack, coupled with Kayyem’s criticism of the FBI, also feeds into a narrative that CNN is out of touch with the concerns of everyday Americans. For many, the footage of a suspect attacking a crowd while shouting charged slogans is clear evidence of intent, yet the network’s hesitation to align with the FBI’s assessment suggests a disconnect.
This incident points to why some viewers turn to alternative sources, feeling that CNN’s Leftist coverage too often filters reality through a lens of political caution or agenda-driven framing.
Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.
