DEARBORN — Police Chief Ron Haddad said the department is forwarding Sarah Beebe’s case to the U.S Attorney and  Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office 

“We’re going to conduct a thorough investigation,” said Haddad.

Beebe, the 28-year-old veteran who made social media threats over the weekend aimed at Dearborn, apologized for her actions two days after her tweet caused a firestorm. 

In an interview with WXYZ Channel 7, Beebe, a Navy veteran who lives in Fort Gratiot, which is just north of Port Huron, said her tweet was ignorant and will haunt her for the rest of her life. 

“I can’t even begin to say how sorry I am for the problems I caused in regards to a hateful and very irresponsible tweet posted in response to the Paris attacks,” Beebe said. “I am sorry to the entire city of Dearborn and anyone who was affected by my ignorance and my post on Twitter. I would never wish ill on anyone, especially because of their religious beliefs. That off-the-cuff post will haunt me for the rest of my life. I am very sorry and I hope the people of Dearborn can see that I screwed up. I am truly, from the heart, sorry.”

Despite apologizing on TV for her barbaric tweet, Beebe refused to be seen on camera, stating that she was too embarrassed.

Perhaps she has every reason to be. Before Beebe was thrust into the spotlight, she was using her Twitter account to express her constant dismay, like the majority of Twitter users. But then that all changed when one tweet took it too far. 

From the Twitter name @irish_beebs, she tweeted on Saturday, November 14 at 3:06 p.m;

“Dearborn, MI, has the highest Muslim population in the United Sates. Let’s fuck that place up and send a message to ISIS. We’re coming.”

Shorty after posting the tweet, Beebe made her Twitter account private. A few hours later, her twitter and other social media accounts were deleted— but not before Internet users were able to discover who she was and where she was located. 

On its Facebook page, The Arab American News shared her Linked-In account, which revealed that she was formerly in the Navy. 

In a follow-up tweet to her Dearborn threat, she added fuel to the already brewing fire by adding, “I want to re-enlist now. #PrayersForParis.”

Despite Beebe’s apology stating that her tweet wasn’t a definition of her character, her account had a history of Islamophobic statements.

In one tweet, she took a photo of a vehicle with Arabic writing on it and asked authorities to investigate it. In another tweet, she said, “People who aren’t American need to learn not to stand 3 inches away from me, because I will punch you. That’s how we do it in America.”

Social media users expressed outrage over her ignorance, giving the fact that she was in the military. 

“Very pleased to know a military ‘professional’ right here in Michigan possesses common sense to make reference of attacking our fair city of Dearborn, right here on social media,” said Facebook user Lila Amen. “Yup, she’s a smart cookie. Grateful for her oath to ‘protect and serve.’ I couldn’t feel safer. I wonder if her superiors in which she ‘serves’ under are aware of her passion to protect.”

Others noted that Beebe’s perception of the Arab and Muslim populations represents a significant fraction of the American public.

“We can make fun of her or curse her, but none of that changes the fact that this woman represents something larger,” said Facebook user Zeinab Chami. “American exceptionalism and our culture of jingoism have bred too many bigots like this idiot. And let’s face it, there’s at least one who’s insane enough to try something.” 

A report was filed at the Dearborn Police Department on Saturday evening after the tweet began spreading over social media. Dearborn Police Chief Ron Haddad said the department was investigating the incident and will determine in coming days whether charges will be filed. 

On Tuesday, November, 17, Arab American News Publisher Osama Siblani extended an invitation to Beebe following her apology. 

“We offer Beebe a tour of Dearborn, where she can experience our vibrant culture, try our food, walk our streets, shop at our stores and visit our museums,” Siblani said. “The best way to fight ignorance is to show people who we really are. Dearborn is a welcoming place.”

Despite Siblani’s offer, Beebe hadn’t responded to the invite at press time. 

White privilege

Many social media commentators were disgruntled over the handling of Beebe’s tweet.  While some agreed that her apology was acceptable, others believed she was forced into it in order to avoid consequences down the line. 

The general consensus is that had an Arab or Muslim made a social media threat against a city, authorities would’ve taken a completely different approach.

“I think the government would’ve immediately taken action,” ACRL Executive Director Nabih Ayad said. “She would’ve been met with sheriff’s and federal authorities to address the threats. There’s no doubt in my mind an Arab or Muslim would’ve suffered the might of the government coming down against them, at least to a limited circumstance.”

Ayad believes Beebe’s tweet is not valid enough to merit any sort of criminal charges. An individual’s rights are protected under the First Amendment unless it’s a definite risk to public safety. 

“The law says a threat has to be imminent and precise,” Ayad said.  “As an individual, saying you want to bomb a country or city isn’t going to be taken as a criminal threat. She has a First Amendment right to state her opinion and, unfortunately, it’s a very disappointing opinion of hers that adds fuel to the hate mongers’ fire. I don’t think the prosecution will be enough to bring a charge against her.”