FBI Office Closed on Weekends and Federal Holiday, Abdul Hakim Shabazz Misleads Hoosiers with False Claims

In an unfortunate twist to a developing story, Abdul Hakim Shabazz, the journalist behind Indy Politics, has misled Hoosiers by falsely claiming to have received a statement from a spokesperson with the FBI regarding an ongoing investigation. The misinformation came to light after further investigation revealed the FBI had never made the statements Shabazz attributed to them.

Shabazz took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to share a message from an alleged FBI spokesperson: “Just heard back from the FBI on @cdiegomorales, a spokesperson told me 'Per policy we don't confirm or deny the existence or nonexistence of investigations.' Story to follow this evening.”However, after examining the matter closely, it became clear that Shabazz’s claims were false.

FBI Office Closed on Weekends and Federal Holidays

The FBI's response to the request made by Shabazz, which he claimed to have received, is called into question by simple logistics. The FBI, as a federal agency, observes standard office hours during weekdays and is closed on weekends and federal holidays. Given that tomorrow is a Federal Holiday, the agency would not have been available for comment. The fact that Shabazz received a response on a weekend, which is contrary to the FBI's known practices, raises doubts about the veracity of his statement.

Furthermore, when Shabazz was pressed for further details or clarification regarding his claimed interaction with the FBI, it became evident that no spokesperson had spoken to him on the matter. According to multiple sources within the FBI, no such communication occurred, and the statement he shared on social media was not only inaccurate but entirely fabricated.

The Fallout from the False Claim

This isn't the first time Shabazz has found himself under scrutiny for misleading the public. His repeated mistakes and failures to fact-check have begun to tarnish his credibility with Hoosiers. The recent incident marks another instance where Shabazz appears to have taken liberties with the truth, which can have real consequences for public trust.

The FBI itself denied Shabazz's claims earlier this past Friday, refuting any connection to the alleged statement or investigation he referred to. Given the clear contradiction between the timeline of Shabazz’s claims and the agency's operations, it's apparent that the journalist's version of events does not hold up under scrutiny.

Why the FBI Won’t Comment on Ongoing Investigations

It’s worth noting that, in general, the FBI follows a strict policy when it comes to discussing ongoing investigations. Typically, the agency will neither confirm nor deny the existence of an investigation. However, this policy does not mean the FBI is actively engaging with the media to provide individual responses on specific matters. This common protocol is in place to protect the integrity of investigations and avoid interfering with legal processes.

Shabazz’s assertion that he received a direct response from the FBI spokesperson calling this policy into play seems not only implausible but also purposefully misleading. His attempt to portray an ongoing investigation in a particular light reflects poorly on his journalistic standards and raises ethical concerns.

Conclusion

Abdul Hakim Shabazz's recent claim that he had spoken to an FBI spokesperson is another example of his disregard for accuracy and truthfulness in journalism. By misrepresenting facts and spreading misinformation, Shabazz risks eroding the public's trust in the news and commentary he provides.

In the future, Hoosiers should be more discerning when it comes to information shared by sources who have shown a pattern of unreliable reporting. The FBI's policies remain clear, and the public deserves the truth, not misleading claims meant to drive headlines.