ISIS released video purportedly showing the execution of American journalist Steven Joel Sotloff. Photo: AP By Josh Visser
The terrorist group ISIS released video that purportedly shows the execution of American journalist Steven Sotloff, according to the SITE Intel Group.
The two-and-half minute video shows what appears to be Sotloff, 31, in orange prisoner garb with a black-cloaked man next to him holding a knife in a desert landscape. Sotloff recites a statement in a strong, dispassionate voice towards U.S. President Barack Obama. Sotloff says he is personally “paying the price” for the United States’ foreign policy and intervention in Iraq.
An ISIS terrorist speaks near the end of the video, his voice apparently garbled by a voice shifter but with a slight British accent apparent.
“I’m back, Obama, and I’m back because of your arrogant foreign policy towards the Islamic State … despite our serious warnings,” the terrorist says.
The terrorist drives his knife into the neck of the prisoner before the camera cuts to black. The video then pans to a shot of the decapitated prisoner’s head on his body.
The video ends with the terrorist holding what they claim is another hostage, Briton David Cawthorne Haines, and warned governments to “back off” against ISIS. It was not immediately clear who Haines was.
ISIS released the video, called “A Second Message to America,” on Tuesday.
In this handout image made available by the photographer American journalist Steven Sotloff (Center with black helmet) talks to Libyan rebels on the Al Dafniya front line, 25 km west of Misrata on June 2, 2011 in Misrata, Libya. (Etienne de Malglaive via Getty Images)
Through a spokesperson, the Sotloff family said they are aware of the beheading video and are grieving.
The U.S. State Department is determining if the video is authentic.
“If the video is genuine, we are sickened by this brutal act, taking the life of another innocent American citizen,” State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki told The Associated Press. “Our hearts go out to the Sotloff family and we will provide more information as it becomes available.”
The video comes two weeks after ISIS released video of the murder of American journalist James Foley. Sotloff, who freelanced for Time magazine and was kidnapped in August 2013 in Syria, appeared at the end of that video. His death was threatened unless the U.S. ceased air strikes against ISIS.
Last week, Sotloff’s mother pleaded with ISIS to spare her son.
“I want what every mother wants, to live to see her children’s children.” Shirley Sotloff said in a video message. “I plead with you to grant me this.”
Shirley Sotloff directly aimed her message to ISIS leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi.
“You, the caliph, can grant amnesty. I ask you to please release my child. I ask you to use your authority to spare his life,” she said in the video.
Steven Sotloff’s Twitter feed described him as a “stand-up philosopher from Miami. Currently in Libya.” His last tweet was August 3, 2013.
Sotloff attended University of Central Florida for journalism from 2002 to 2004, according to The Associated Press.
Breaking news. More details to follow.
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