AP revises headline describing Hezbollah leader as ‘charismatic and shrewd’

The Associated Press has revised its headline covering the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah after receiving backlash for initially describing him as “charismatic” and “shrewd.” The AP changed the title within hours of publication.

On Friday, Sept. 27, an Israeli airstrike in Beirut killed Hezbollah’s top commander in Lebanon, who had led the terrorist organization’s forces in the region for three decades.

Nasrallah was admired by supporters in Lebanon who agreed with his anti-Israel war efforts. He was responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Americans during his long tenure. A White House statement praised Nasrallah’s killing as justice for his many victims.

“Hassan Nasrallah and the terrorist group he led, Hezbollah, were responsible for killing hundreds of Americans over a four-decade reign of terror,” President Biden said. “His death from an Israeli airstrike is a measure of justice for his many victims, including thousands of Americans, Israelis, and Lebanese civilians. The strike that killed Nasrallah took place in the broader context of the conflict that began with Hamas’s massacre on October 7, 2023.  Nasrallah, the next day, made the fateful decision to join hands with Hamas and open what he called a ‘northern front’ against Israel.”

Nasrallah’s history of violence against America prompted criticism from some Republican lawmakers regarding the AP’s characterization of Nasrallah.

Not a parody from the AP.

Nasrallah was a ruthless, murderous terrorist. pic.twitter.com/LcyxerVmNv

— Rep. Mike Waltz (@michaelgwaltz) September 28, 2024

Florida Rep. Mike Waltz, R, shared a screenshot of the original headline, stating, “Not a parody from the AP. Nasrallah was a ruthless, murderous terrorist.”

Nasrallah is not a “charismatic leader.” He is a bloodthirsty, anti-Semitic terrorist.

Hope this helps, @AP. pic.twitter.com/EVayDXVj0U

— Rep. Anthony D’Esposito (@RepDesposito) September 28, 2024

New York Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, R, also criticized the AP, saying, “Nasrallah is not a charismatic leader. He is a bloodthirsty, anti-Semitic terrorist. Hope this helps.”

Following Nasrallah’s death, mourning ceremonies have been held in Lebanon and Iran, with his followers chanting, “Death to Israel” and “Death to America.”