On May 11, Shireen Abu Akleh, a Palestinian-American journalist wearing a flak jacket with the word PRESS clearly marked, was shot and killed while covering an Israeli military operation in the West Bank city of Jenin. Since then, over 100 members of Congress have signed letters calling for a transparent and thorough investigation that would result in accountability for those found responsible for her killing.

On November 14, Rep. André Carson introduced the “Justice for Shireen Act” in Congress (HR 9291). That same day, it was reported that the FBI has now opened an investigation into Shireen Abu Akleh's death.

While the FBI engages in a criminal investigation, HR 9291 will ensure an important level of transparency for Congress, Shireen Abu Akleh’s family, and the American public. HR 9291 will require a report to Congress identifying those responsible for Shireen Abu Akleh's death and assessing what US defense materials might have been used in her killing. The bill will also require that the report to Congress be unclassified and made available to the public. It is important that we continue to push for both accountability and transparency as the US investigates this killing.

When he was in the region this summer, President Biden called for a “full and transparent accounting” of the death of Shireen Abu Akleh. The Justice for Shireen Act will provide that accounting.