President Obama took the podium today in Martha’s Vineyard to speak about James Foley, the American journalist who was beheaded by ISIS in a video released yesterday. The U.S. this morning verified the authenticity of the video, which also shows another captive American journalist, Steven Sotloff, and warns that he will be next to die.
“Friends and allies around the world, we share a common security and a common set of values that are rooted in the opposite of what we saw yesterday, and we will continue to confront this hateful terrorism and replace with it a sense of hope and civility,” Obama said. “That’s what Jim Foley stood for. A man who lived his work, who courageously told the stories of his fellow human beings, who was liked and loved by friends and family. Today, the American people will all say a prayer for those who loved Jim. All of us feel the ache of his absence, all of us mourn his loss.”
George Stephanopolus anchored ABC News’ special report, with Jonathan Karl on Martha’s Vineyard. Cynthia McFadden anchored a special report on NBC, with Kristen Welker on Martha’s Vineyard. CBS delivered a special report with Scott Pelley anchoring and Major Garrett on Martha’s Vineyard. Bill Hemmer anchored a special report for Fox Broadcast Network.
Fox News, CNN, MSNBC and Al Jazeera America all took the statement live.