January 13, 2016
The FBI is investigating the shooting of a Philadelphia Police officer as a terrorist attack, according to multiple media reports.
6ABC reports that FBI Director James Comey said Wednesday they are looking at the incident as a new type of terrorism, one that uses social media to influence potential attackers.
Edward Archer, 30, ambushed officer Jesse Hartnett, 33, while he sat in his police cruiser earlier this month in West Philadelphia.
Archer hit Hartnett three times. The officer was able to fire back, striking the shooter.
Police later said that Archer, who's been charged with attempted murder, confessed shooting Hartnett "in the name of Islam."
Authorities are also investigating recent trips the suspect took to the Middle East and an anonymous tip warning of future threats of violence against officers.
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney asked residents not to associate Archer's actions with the religion of Islam as a whole, a comment that has drawn backlash from conservatives.
