Jerusalem24– US lawmaker Rashida Tlaib held a moment of silence in the House of Representatives on Wednesday for slain Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh.
Tlaib, who is also Palestinian-American, said that Americans woke up to the “shocking news” of Abu Akleh’s killing, recalling the words of US President Joe Biden who just weeks ago hailed the contributions of journalists worldwide during the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner: “President Biden said we honor journalists killed, missing, imprisoned, detained and tortured covering war, exposing corruption and holding leaders accountable. […] You are the guardians of the truth.”
The Representative fought back visible tears as she continued, “People woke up to the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh. I would like to do a moment of silence as we heard the shocking news of this journalist of over 20 years, a Palestinian-American, killed.”
On Twitter, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi called for an investigation and protection for journalists.
The killing of American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh is an horrific tragedy. A thorough, objective investigation is needed now. Congress is committed to the defense of press freedoms worldwide and protection of every journalist, particularly those in conflict zones.
— Nancy Pelosi (@SpeakerPelosi) May 11, 2022
Representative Ilhan Omar called for “accountability for human rights violations” committed by Israel.
She was killed by the Israeli military, after making her presence as a journalist clearly known.
We provide Israel with $3.8 billion in military aid annually with no restrictions.
What will it take for accountability for these human rights violations? https://t.co/MGSVc6jYXJ
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) May 11, 2022
And White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said during a Wednesday press briefing that “we will continue to promote media freedom and protect journalists’ ability to do their jobs without fear of violence.”
