CIA insider: ISIS shows "sign of weakness" in recent claim
NEW YORK -- Michael Morell, the former deputy director of the CIA, doubts ISIS was behind Sunday's attack on a Muhammad art contest in Garland, Texas. ISIS claimed responsibility for the actions of the two gunmen: Elton Simpson and Nadir Soofi, who were both shot and killed at the scene.
"There is no evidence that ISIS directed the attack, no evidence that they were in communication with these two individuals," said Morell.
Morell says it's more likely that Simpson and Soofi were self-radicalized.
"Whether that was by ISIS or whether that was by al Qaeda is an open question," said Morell.
Morell sees ISIS' dubious claim of responsibility as a stretch - a sign that the terror group is beginning to wane.
"This was not a successful attack. There was no open devotion by these individuals to ISIS," said Morell. "I actually think this might be a sign of weakness, a reflection that they see that their momentum has slowed a bit."
Watch the video above to hear more of Morell's analysis, including his answer to questions about the FBI's prior knowledge of Simpson and Soofi.