According to Eric Lichtbau in the '' New York Times '' : The term was used widely in mass media at least as early as the 1996 Atlanta Olympics bombing in reference to Richard A. Jewell . Its initial uses aroused controversy , but it has since seen increasingly regular use . Jewell later remarked on the use of the term : The use of the term became widely critiqued when United States Attorney General John Ashcroft used it in a press conference when asked if Dr. Steven J. Hatfill was a suspect in the 2001 anthrax attacks case . In 2002 , Hatfill 's attorney filed a complaint with the Justice Department 's Office of Professional Responsibility , arguing that " the term is not recognized in law or criminal procedure and that Ashcroft did not have the right ' to preside over the public shredding of Hatfill 's life . This is un-American . Mr. Ashcroft owes Dr. Hatfill an apology . Hatfill sued the Department of Justice for violation of federal privacy law ; the case was settled in 2008 for $ 5.8 million
1996 Atlanta Olympics bombing
Centennial Olympic Park bombing
Person of interest