Fox News contributor John Loftus, host of “Inside Report with John Loftus” and a former federal prosecutor, broadcasted early this month that he had information on a supposed terrorist living inside the United States. In a story that ran August 7, Loftus reported that a Muslim cleric had identified an “Iyad Hilal” as a terrorist ringleader living in the US. There was, Loftus announced, an Iyad K. Hilal that lived in La Habra, California. Loftus then made the ethically dubious choice to broadcast Hilal’s home address during his program.
That alone might be grounds for a censure, but Loftus didn’t even get the right house. He broadcast the address of Randy and Ronnell Vorick, who work as a restaurant manager and staffing agency manager, and are most assuredly not terrorists.
Now the Voricks have been targeted by the community as terrorists. Their home was spray-painted with graffiti, satellite photos and directions to their house were posted online, and they can’t even barbecue in their yard without someone driving by and yelling obscenities. A squad car remains parked across the street and police drive past regularly to ensure that the Voricks and their children are safe.
Loftus gave a statement to the LA Times that “mistakes happen”. Sure they do, John, but usually they’re followed by restitution. Fox News issued a one-line apology to that same newspaper, but at this moment neither the news organization nor Loftus has issued a formal retraction.
And Hilal? The Times reported today that he has never been charged with any criminal activity and has never been characterized by “any law enforcement agency or official” as a terrorist.
Loftus should know better. This is sloppy journalism at best. At worst, it’s a setup. Whether or not you watch Fox News, do your part to ensure it is held accountable.
Email John Loftus
Email Fox News
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home