According to multiple sources including the Telegraph (UK), a new video that appears to be produced by ISIS shows the beheading of man believed to be former UCF Student Steven Sotloff.
Steve Sotloff
As of 2:25 p.m. EST, the White House had not officially confirmed Sotloff’s execution, however multiple media outlets report the video shows Sotloff.
During a press conference, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said he was unaware of the beheading until it was mentioned at the press conference.
“I’ve not seen those reports today, Zeke, that may just have happen in the last few minutes while I’ve been standing up here,” Earnest said.
Josh Earnest
“This is something that the administration has obviously been watching very carefully since this threat against Mr. Sotloff’s life was originally made a few weeks ago. Our thoughts and prayers, first and foremost are with Mr. Sotloff and Mr. Sotloff’s family, and those who worked with him.
“The United States, as you know, has dedicated significant time and resources to try and rescue Mr. Sotloff. I’m not in a position to confirm the authenticity of that video or the reports at this point obviously, since I just walked out here, but if there is a video that has been released, it is something that will be analyzed very carefully by the U.S. government and our intelligence officials to determine its authenticity.”
Florida Governor Scott released a statement following the heinous murder of Steven Sotloff by ISIS. Sotloff grew up in Miami and attended the University of Central Florida.
Governor Scott said, “On behalf of Ann and myself, and on behalf of all the people of Florida, we want to convey our sorrow and our condolences to the entire Sotloff family. We cannot begin to understand their grief.
“The people who did this are evil. They are not merely wrong, they are not adversaries, they are evil. And evil must be confronted and destroyed. In fact, these immoral animals reject the basic code of human morality that crosses all cultures. This is not a political or international disagreement. It is a case of barbarians choosing to set themselves apart from the rest of humanity.
“Here is what they need to understand – Steve Sotloff was a Floridian, but more importantly he was an American. If you attack one American, you are attacking all Americans. Last week President Obama said that his Administration does not at present have a strategy for dealing with ISIS – these immoral evil people.
“I think I can speak for all Floridians and all Americans when I say that the time for a strategy is now, and part of that strategy needs to include destroying them.”
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Governor Scott said, “On behalf of Ann and myself, and on behalf of all the people of Florida, we want to convey our sorrow and our condolences to the entire Sotloff family. We cannot begin to understand their grief.
