Story perspectives

Debate Erupts Over Intentionality of Journalist's Death

10/27/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In 2022, U.S. officials debated whether Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh's fatal shooting was intentional; the State Department called it tragic.
Colonel Steve Gabavics, involved in the review, argued the shooting was deliberate, citing journalists' presence and shot precision.
Disagreements within the U.S. Security Coordinator's office sidelined Gabavics, while General Michael Fenzel said it could have been accidental.
Gabavics maintains there was a miscarriage of justice in the assessment.

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Story summary

In 2022, U.S. officials debated whether Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh's fatal shooting was intentional; the State Department called it tragic.
Colonel Steve Gabavics, involved in the review, argued the shooting was deliberate, citing journalists' presence and shot precision.
Disagreements within the U.S. Security Coordinator's office sidelined Gabavics, while General Michael Fenzel said it could have been accidental.
Gabavics maintains there was a miscarriage of justice in the assessment.