James Foley Beheading Video Causes Controversy, Prompts Calls To Stop Sharing ISIS Execution Video
The James Foley beheading video spread Tuesday after reports that ISIS executed the American journalist captured in Syria in 2012, and now a number of high-profile politicians and celebrities are leading the charge to shut the video down.
The video, which was released Tuesday afternoon, appears to show masked members of ISIS cutting off the head of photojournalist James Foley with a knife. Before the execution, Foley delivered a prepared statement in which he condemned the United States government, remarks many believe were coerced.
Before Foley was executed, the masked executioner delivered a warning to the United States.
This is James Wright Foley, an American citizen of your country,” he said in a British accent. “As a government, you have been at the forefront of the aggression towards the Islamic State. You have plotted against us and have gone far out of your way to find reasons to interfere in our affairs. Today, your military air force is attacking us daily in Iraq, your strikes have caused casualties among Muslims…. any attempt by you Obama to deny the Muslims their rights of living in safety under the Islamic caliphate will result in the bloodshed of your people.”
The James Foley beheading video caused shock among many, but also led to controversy. Some news outlets chose to show snippets of the video, while others displayed screenshots of the moment Foley was murdered. Still other sites hosted the entire video.
But soon after it spread, many began to speak out against those sharing the video, arguing that they are actually helping ISIS terrorists to spread their message.
Blackout on group that murdered James Foley. Don’t share video. Give them nothing. #RespectJamesFoley
— mia farrow (@MiaFarrow) August 20, 2014
Others chose to remember James Foley for his work as a journalist, not his horrifying final moments caught on tape.
Blackout on group that murdered James Foley. Don’t share video. Give them nothing. #RespectJamesFoley
— mia farrow (@MiaFarrow) August 20, 2014
But despite their calls, the James Foley beheading video remained readily available. The White House said government officials are still working to verify the authenticity of the video.
