An earlier version of the sentence reads (bold mine):
As of Sunday afternoon, NPR was not able to independently verify the man's identity or motives.
Although there were indications that he was a US servicemember (he was wearing a uniform) and likely his identity - as you mentioned, he recorded the video - they were not verified at that time.
Once his Identity was verified, the reporter removed that part of the line. Once his motives were verified, she removed that part of the line as well. This is just how news reporting works.