"Releasing the suspect’s name prematurely could tip them off and compromise the NYPD and FBI’s efforts during both the fugitive and criminal investigations," Jason Pack told Fox News Digital.
"For instance, if officers are closing in on the suspect, publicly outing his name could prompt him to flee, risking the chance of missing him at his current location."
Pack told Fox News Digital Friday that within hours of a full-face photo being released of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing suspects, tips began pouring in to investigators.
"The suspect doesn’t know for sure if law enforcement has identified him, leaving him to play a guessing game as he calculates his next move," Pack said. "Investigators must methodically build their case, ensuring every detail aligns with legal standards for probable cause.
"While the public may have an insatiable curiosity, withholding the name — if they have it — gives investigators the upper hand. In time, the full story will come to light."
Pack is a retired supervisory special agent who has navigated these issues as the on-scene FBI spokesman working jointly with federal, state and local law enforcement for several high-profile cases like this, including the Boston Marathon bombing investigation, among others.