What is most probable is that Beck’s facts are right, but his interpretation is wrong.
Al-Harbi must have been designated 3b as soon as he was identified either at the hospital or in transit. Anyone would have done that, given the circumstances. The “very high level of proof” on a sunny day went way own once it was pouring.
Once it appeared that it was another guy, the bureaucrat-in-charge said “oops” and went outside the lines to ease his previous impulsive 3b designation.
There are other possibilities for sure, including al-Harbi being the scene commander for al Qaeda, but I think my scenario is the most probable.
Do you understand how many people in 4 depts have to meet to assign that designation to a suspect? You may be correct but my comparison would be a person charged with 1st degree murder and the death penalty changed to J walking the next day. Could happen yes probable Nope.