Episode 13: FBI Visitors

Terror Talk

This episode we talk about the FBI in relation to the Aref-Hossain case—not about what they did before and during it, but afterwards. And what we did in response. But before we go back in history, it’s worth mentioning that two of the FBI players are not only still with us today, but are front and center in the news. We’ve had experience with James Comey and Robert Mueller, and we’ll just take a few minutes to reminisce and talk about the roles they played in the case. James Comey was U.S. Assistant Atty General and announced the prosecution of the Aref-Hossain case in Washington, DC. He said, “This is not a case connected to the current terrorist threat. This is not a case where the defendants were discovered plotting terrorist violence.” Which begs the question, then why are these men in prison? Robert Mueller was director of the FBI and came to Albany on December 12, 2006—after the convictions but before sentencing. Supposedly visiting several field offices, but it is no coincidence that he came before sentencing, probably to try and restore some luster to the FBI’s tarnished image in this case—since community supported Yassin and Mohammed and felt FBI constructed the case. And, we read a column by Carl Strock about the FBI visiting the editorial board of the Daily Gazette, to “debunk” Mr. Stock’s coverage of the Aref-Hossain case.