Thread by @Mondoweiss

The family of slain Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh is holding a press conference in DC right now. We will be live tweeting some the event.

The family has repeatedly demanded accountability following an inconclusive US investigation mondoweiss.net/2022/07/abu-ak…

Earlier this week the family met with Secretary of State Blinken and progressive lawmakers who have pressured the administration to launch an independent investigation mondoweiss.net/2022/07/accoun…

Lina Abu Akleh, Shireen's niece, speaking now. Says Biden "can't rely on Israel's word. War criminals cannot investigate their own crimes."

Rep. André Carson speaking now: "Every human killed, American or not, deserves justice...We want answers."

Audio problems for last ten minutes or so, apologies. Rep. Betty McCollum speaking now...

McCollum says she's deeply sorry to the family and that we need accountability. Stresses how important a free press is.

McCollum says she wants an investigation from Justice Dept and FBI, like family does

Massachusetts Rep. Ayanna Pressley speaking now. Thanks family for their advocacy. Says it's a testament to truth.

Pressley says accountability requires action. Repeats call for formal, timely investigation from Biden administration.

New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speaking now. Repeats call for independent investigation. Cites numerous investigations that prove an Israeli sniper killed Shireen.

AOC: "The President should meet with Shireen's family and I urge him to do so while they're in Washington."

AOC: "An American journalist was killed abroad by a foreign army."

Illinois Rep. Marie Newman talking now. Calls out State Department out for dragging their feet. Says she's embarrassed.

Newman says she will continue to work on this, commends family for their bravery.

Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar speaking now. Grateful that Blinken met with family but says "it's not okay" Biden hasn't met with family.

Omar: "I want everybody to know, this is bigger than one person or one country. It's about our values as Americans."

Omar says it's an honor to meet family and hear stories about Shireen. Says the family has allies in Washington. "We cannot rest until this family has the justice they seek."

Rep. Tlaib reading a statement from Rep. Cori Bush. Bush says she's sorry she can't be there. Historic flooding in St. Louis preventing her.

Bush says we need an accountability for Israel's crimes. Says we have to demand an end to Israeli apartheid.

Maryland Senator Christopher Van Hollen also couldn't be there. Statement from him being read. Also calls for independent, credible investigation.

Van Hollen says Shireen's killing impacts all journalists. Says he will continue to press Biden administration for answers.

Gypsy Guillén Kaiser from Committee to Protect Journalists speaking now. Says she's grateful to stand with family. Thanks them for everything they're doing.

Kaiser demands a transparent investigation. Says the group wrote to Biden a month ago making this demand and they received no response.

"Israel attacks on journalists..a deeply troubling trend that we've documented over decades. At least 19 journalists have been killed since 1992...16 of them Palestinians. No one held to account."

Kaiser says killing shows media is fair game if there's no accountability. "Our collective right to be informed is under assault."

Kaiser says impunity begins with empty promises from authorities. The family and fellow journalists have been left to piece together facts on their own.

Kaiser says Shireen died reporting the news, holding up the daily reality of Palestinians.

Kaiser says she hopes this week marks a turning point toward justice.

Al Quds Said Arikat is asking how family was received in DC. Shireen's brother Tony says he's hoping for meetings with Justice Dept. Hopes they get some firm answers.

Thanks for following along during this press conference. Check out our interview with @LinaAbuAkleh in the What's The Story video series:

mondoweiss.net/2022/06/whats-…

#ShireenAbuAkleh #Palestine