Washington, D.C. - December 7, 2020 - (The Ponder News) U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, last week reintroduced the Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act, a bill that urges the U.S. State Department to use its statutory authority to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). This measure requires the State Department to report to Congress about whether the Muslim Brotherhood meets the legal criteria for designation. U.S. Sens. Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), and Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) cosponsored the bill.
Upon introduction, Sen. Cruz said:
“I am proud to reintroduce this bill and to advance America’s fight against radical Islamic terrorism. I commend the current administration’s work calling terrorism by its name and combatting the spread of this potent threat, and I look forward to receiving the additional information this new bill requests from the Department of State. Many of our closest allies in the Arab world have long ago concluded that the Muslim Brotherhood is a terrorist group that seeks to sow chaos across the Middle East, and I will continue working with my colleagues to take action against groups that finance terrorism.”
Sen. Inhofe added:
“Since the founding of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Brotherhood affiliated groups have consistently preached and incited hatred against Christians, Jews, and other Muslims while supporting designated radical terrorists. I am proud that under the Trump administration we continue to call out and combat radical terrorism and I am glad to join my colleagues today in reintroducing this legislation. We must continue to condemn Foreign Terrorist Organizations and hold them accountable for the evil they perpetrate.”
Senator Kevin Cramer on the Easter Sunday Terrorist Attacks in Sri Lanka by: Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) April 23, 2019
“The deadly attacks on Christians worshipping on Easter Sunday remind us radical Islam still exists. This evil must be destroyed. The United States stands with the victims in Sri Lanka and must resolve to seek justice for the people and nations impacted. I am praying that everyone involved will know the peace that can only come from a Risen Savior.”
The Ponder happens to agree with Lynch. Do we really want mercenaries who will work for who pays them the most to do our dirty work? American wars should be fought by Americans who are willing to sacrifice everything for their country, regardless of the pay scale. Freedom is priceless. The pay is a bonus. This is why I salute our brothers and sisters in arms. They don't do it for the pay, although they deserve the highest pay for what they do. They don't do it to glorify themselves or to become the best, because they are ALREADY the best! Real heroes don't do it for the pay. They do it because it is the right thing to do.
Washington, D.C. - December 18, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) made this statement on the Trump Administration not holding New York terror suspect Akayed Ullah as an enemy combatant for intelligence gathering purposes.
“I am incredibly disappointed to see the Trump Administration continue to treat terrorists as common criminals. Giving Akayed Ullah a lawyer and putting him directly into the criminal justice system means we lose the ability to gather intelligence from a person who fits the profile of an enemy combatant.
“We couldn’t possibly have gathered information on the multiple trips Ullah made to Bangladesh and other relevant activity in such a short period of time. Now that he has a lawyer, there will be no more intelligence gathering and everything will have to be done through plea bargaining.
“When it comes to the potential interrogation policies regarding terrorists, it is as if President Obama and his team never left. How many more attacks will it take before the Trump Administration embraces the fact that we are fighting a war, not a crime?
“The evidence against Ullah is so overwhelming, a first year law student could convict him. Our primary goal for terror suspects like Ullah should be to gather intelligence to ensure we prevent and disrupt future attacks. Only after all intelligence gathering is complete, should the suspect be turned over for trial.”
Montgomery, AL - December 12, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- On Monday morning, Judge Roy Moore released a statement in response to the attempted terrorist attack in Manhattan.
"As we get news this morning of yet another radical Islamic terrorist attack, I am grateful that it appears no one was critically injured, and, as always, I am thankful for the quick action of law enforcement who have the suspect in custody. This incident underscores the continued threats our nation faces from those who want nothing more than to destory the freedoms we enjoy.
"In the United States Senate I will fight with President Trump for the increased safety of the American people and I will not mince words when it comes to calling out radical Islamic terrorism for the threat that it is. I am committed to implementing the President's travel ban, putting an end to sanctuary cities, building the wall and making America safer."
“This morning a terrorist strapped a pipe bomb to his chest with the intent to cause chaos, death, and mayhem in a busy New York underground subway tunnel,” said Congressman Poe. Reports suggest that the attack was ISIS-inspired but ultimately failed when the pipe bomb malfunctioned and exploded prematurely, justly injuring only the terrorist. While we are on the path to defeat ISIS, we must be mindful that the terror group’s remnants are still at war with America. We must continue to go after ISIS terrorists wherever they operate and promote their murderous ideology.”
Congressman Poe is a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Chairman of Terrorism, Nonproliferation and Trade Subcommittee.
Washington, D.C. - November 2, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- President Trump has urged Congress to end a longtime immigration program, invoked “extreme vetting,” and said he is considering sending the man arrested in yesterday’s New York attack to the U.S. prison at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba.
Anthony D. Romero, executor director of the American Civil Liberties Union, had this reaction:
“President Trump’s reaction to the tragedy in New York represents a trifecta of unconstitutional and wrong-headed policies. His call for more ‘extreme vetting’ and an end to the diversity visa program — which will unfairly target Muslim and African immigrants — would double down on his Muslim ban and anti-immigrant policies.
“Sending Saipov to Guantánamo or treating him as an ‘enemy combatant’ would violate due process and the rule of law. The FBI and our federal court system are more than capable of dealing with terrorism cases, and Guantánamo was shown long ago to be an epic failure. It’s a shame that Trump is using this attack as a platform for pushing his anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim agenda.”
Washington, D.C. - November 2, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The American Bar Association joins in mourning the victims of Tuesday’s terrorist attack in New York.
Adherence to the rule of law and the protections of our system of justice are critical aspects of our response to such a tragedy. They are the foundation for the values we hold dear. Those values are undermined when anyone thoughtlessly disparages our constitutional structure and the hard-working people who diligently uphold our laws.
Our constitution and the rule of law help to make our country fair and just, and they have long been a model for people around the world. No cowardly act of terrorism should divert our focus on maintaining and supporting the constitutional principles on which our justice system is based.
Go to www.abalegalfactcheck.com for the ABA’s new feature that cites case and statutory law and other legal precedents to distinguish legal fact from fiction.
With more than 400,000 members, the American Bar Association is one of the largest voluntary professional membership organizations in the world. As the national voice of the legal profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice, promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to build public understanding around the world of the importance of the rule of law.
November 02, 2017 American Legion National Commander issues condolences to New York City terrorist victims
The Ponder News
"Today's senseless attack upon innocent civilians is just another reminder of why The American Legion is fully committed to defeating terrorism," Rohan said. "We have always maintained that it will be a long protracted struggle but we must support our men and women in the military and in law enforcement. The first responders again performed admirably and we are grateful to the brave officers who stopped the attack. We pray for the victims and their families."
Read more...http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/american-legion-national-commander.html
November 02, 2017 CONGRESSMAN POE ON NEW YORK TERRORIST ATTACK
The Ponder News
Yesterday, as Americans went about their daily lives in New York City, a radicalized coward tore down a busy bike route driving a rented flatbed truck, plowing down all those in his path. The noise of bikes crunching and the cries of the injured rang out. The terrorist rushed forward, ramming directly into a school bus, injuring children inside. He fled the scene, sending bystanders into a panicked frenzy until peace officers apprehended the radical Islamic terrorist. Just blocks from the World Trade center, 8 individuals lay dead and at least 13 more were injured.
Read more...http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/congressman-poe-on-new-york-terrorist.html
November 02, 2017 CONGRESSMAN DUNCAN'S STATEMENT ON THE TERRORIST ATTACK IN NEW YORK
The Ponder News
President Trump has stated that his administration is in the process of terminating the Diversity Visa Lottery program, and is asking Congress to work to get rid of this program. I support the President’s decision and action to end the Diversity Visa Lottery program.
Read more... http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/congressman-duncans-statement-on.html
November 02, 2017 Congresswoman Tenney Statement on New York City Terror Attack
The Ponder News
“Our hearts break for the victims of today’s horrific terror attack in New York City that killed eight and injured eleven. We are grateful to the NYPD and our first responders, our front line of defense here at home, for their swift action. As New Yorkers and as Americans we stand united against the threat of terrorism.”
Read more...http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/congresswoman-tenney-statement-on-new.html
November 02, 2017 Wilson Statement On Tuesday Terrorist Attack In New York City
The Ponder News
"This afternoon’s terrorist attack in New York City was as cowardly as it was senseless. This is another reminder that we must win the Global War on Terrorism overseas to stop terrorists from threatening American families here at home. The people of New York City have faced challenges like this before, and their strength and unity always inspire us. Roxanne and I will keep the victims – including those who have lost their lives and those who are injured – in our prayers."
Read more...http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/wilson-statement-on-tuesday-terrorist.html
November 01, 2017 Feinstein: President Must Not Sow Division
The Ponder News
“In the wake of a national tragedy, the president has an obligation to bring the country together, not sow division. It’s deeply troubling that the president’s response to a terrorist attack appears to be driven by this morning’s commentary on Fox & Friends...
Read more...http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/feinstein-president-must-not-sow.html
November 01, 2017 Senator Graham Statement On NYC Terror Suspect
The Ponder News
U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) issued this statement on potentially holding the suspect in the New York City terror attack, Sayfullo Habibullaevic Saipov, as an enemy combatant for intelligence gathering purposes.
Read more...http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/senator-graham-statement-on-nyc-terror.html
November 01, 2017 STATEMENT BY SASC CHAIRMAN JOHN McCAIN ON TERRORIST ATTACK IN NEW YORK CITY
The Ponder News
“The terrorist attack in New York is the latest brutal, horrific example of the war that radical Islamist extremists are waging against our nation and our way of life. From Orlando to San Bernardino and Boston to Manhattan, we must not consider these attacks on our homeland in isolation, but rather recognize them for what they are: acts of war. As such, the New York terror suspect should be held and interrogated—thoroughly, responsibly, and humanely—as an enemy combatant consistent with the Law of Armed Conflict. He should not be read Miranda Rights, as enemy combatants are not entitled to them. As soon as possible, the administration should notify Congress how it plans to proceed with the interrogation and trial of this suspect...
Read more...http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/statement-by-sasc-chairman-john-mccain.html
November 01, 2017 NYC terror suspect charged with supporting ISIS
ABC News
The man accused of plowing into people on a lower Manhattan bike path Tuesday had apparently been planning the attack for a number of weeks, police officials said today.
"He did this in the name of ISIS, and along with the other items recovered at the scene was some notes that further indicate that," John Miller, deputy commissioner of intelligence and counterterrorism of the NYPD, said this morning of the attack that killed eight. "He appears to have followed almost exactly to a 'T' the instructions that ISIS has put out in its social media channels before with instructions to their followers on how to carry out such an attack."
Read more...http://abcnews.go.com/US/nyc-terror-suspect-charged-supporting-isis/story?id=50855307
November 01, 2017 Trump Says He'd 'Certainly Consider' Sending New York City Attacker To Guantanamo Bay
Yahoo! News
President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he would consider sending Sayfullo Saipov, the suspect in Tuesday’s terrorist attack in New York City, to the notorious U.S. military detention facility in Guantanamo Bay.
“I would certainly consider that, yes,” Trump said in response to a question from Major Garrett of CBS. “Send him to Gitmo.” Trump also urged “quick justice” and “strong justice” for Saipov, calling him “this animal.”
Read more...https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-says-apos-certainly-consider-164057535.html
November 01, 2017 Press Conference After Deadly Driver Kills 8 in Manhatten
Source: New York Mayor's Office
The Associated Press reported: "A man in a rented pickup truck drove onto a busy bicycle path near the World Trade Center memorial Tuesday, killing at least eight people and injuring several others in what the mayor called “a particularly cowardly act of terror.”"
The Ponder has acquired the read out and video of the press conference from the New York Mayor's office that came after the attack.
Read more...http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/press-conference-after-deadly-driver.html
November 01, 2017 Rep. Maloney on Suspected Terror Attack in Lower Manhattan
Source: Carolyn Maloney (D-NY, 12th)
“Today's terrorist attack was a preplanned barbaric act of violence against innocent civilians that deserves the condemnation of every citizen of every nation. Yet even in the face of such savagery, I know that our city is too strong, too resilient, to let terrorists dictate how we live. We intend to carry on with the same vigor and determination that lights up our city every day, even in the darkest of times.
Read more...http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/rep-maloney-on-suspected-terror-attack.html
November 01, 2017 The Diversity Lottery
The Ponder News
Washington, D.C. - November 1, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas) today released the following statement on the revelation that the man who committed yesterday's terrorist attack in New York City came to the U.S. through the notoriously flawed diversity visa lottery program:
Read more...http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/the-diversity-lottery.html
Indianapolis, IN - November 2, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- American Legion National Commander Denise H. Rohan issued the following statement regarding today's truck attack in New York City.
"Today's senseless attack upon innocent civilians is just another reminder of why The American Legion is fully committed to defeating terrorism," Rohan said. "We have always maintained that it will be a long protracted struggle but we must support our men and women in the military and in law enforcement. The first responders again performed admirably and we are grateful to the brave officers who stopped the attack. We pray for the victims and their families."
Washington, D.C. - November 2, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- "Yesterday, as Americans went about their daily lives in New York City, a radicalized coward tore down a busy bike route driving a rented flatbed truck, plowing down all those in his path. The noise of bikes crunching and the cries of the injured rang out. The terrorist rushed forward, ramming directly into a school bus, injuring children inside. He fled the scene, sending bystanders into a panicked frenzy until peace officers apprehended the radical Islamic terrorist. Just blocks from the World Trade center, 8 individuals lay dead and at least 13 more were injured.
We must not allow terror to strike fear on American soil. Our full resources must be directed to destroy terrorism. Today, terrorists use social media to recruit, fundraise, spread propaganda and domestically radicalize future supporters. It comes as no surprise that the dastardly terrorist who carried out yesterday’s rampage appears to have meticulously followed attack instructions that terrorist groups like ISIS have publicized online. Meanwhile, the United States does not have a whole of government approach to combatting terrorism on the cyber battlefield. Congress mandated a strategy to do just that, due in March 2017, nearly 8 months ago. I urge this Administration to move quickly on this national security priority to prevent another attack taking innocent American lives again."
Washington, D.C. - November 2, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- “The terrorist attack in New York City yesterday that killed eight innocent people and injured 12 others is a terrible tragedy.
Officials have said the suspected perpetrator came here in 2010 through the Diversity Visa Lottery program. Apparently, he was influenced by the radical Islamic terrorist organization Islamic State.
President Trump has stated that his administration is in the process of terminating the Diversity Visa Lottery program, and is asking Congress to work to get rid of this program. I support the President’s decision and action to end the Diversity Visa Lottery program.
We have allowed far too many people into this Country, and we have to do a much better job screening those whom we let in.
The American people are some of the kindest, most sympathetic people in the world. We have allowed many millions to immigrate here over the last 50 years. No other country has even come close to allowing as many people to immigrate as has the U.S.
Unfortunately, many immigrants are not assimilating when they come here. We need to slow down much of this immigration and strictly enforce our laws. We especially have to be more careful when allowing immigration from Muslim majority countries.
Our entire infrastructure- our schools, hospitals, roads, jails, sewers, our overall economy- could not handle the rapid, massive influx of people we would have over the next few years if we simply opened our borders. We must have a legal, orderly system of immigration and it must be enforced.”
Washington, D.C. - November 2, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22) released the following statement after the tragic terror attack on New York City:
“Our hearts break for the victims of today’s horrific terror attack in New York City that killed eight and injured eleven. We are grateful to the NYPD and our first responders, our front line of defense here at home, for their swift action. As New Yorkers and as Americans we stand united against the threat of terrorism.”
Washington, D.C. - November 2, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) released the following statement in response to the Tuesday afternoon terrorist attack in New York City:
"This afternoon’s terrorist attack in New York City was as cowardly as it was senseless. This is another reminder that we must win the Global War on Terrorism overseas to stop terrorists from threatening American families here at home. The people of New York City have faced challenges like this before, and their strength and unity always inspire us. Roxanne and I will keep the victims – including those who have lost their lives and those who are injured – in our prayers."
Washington, D.C. - November 1, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) has released the following statement on the terrorist attack in New York City:
“In the wake of a national tragedy, the president has an obligation to bring the country together, not sow division. It’s deeply troubling that the president’s response to a terrorist attack appears to be driven by this morning’s commentary on Fox & Friends.
“There’s a distinct contrast between the response to the attack in New York and the attack in Las Vegas. In the wake of the Las Vegas mass shooting in which nearly 60 people were killed and hundreds injured, it was ‘too soon’ to discuss banning bump-fire stocks and other policies to prevent gun violence.
“Now in the wake of the attack in New York City, it’s apparently not ‘too soon’ to reiterate calls for a travel ban and paint all immigrants with the same broad brush.
“The president sets the tone of the national conversation in wake of a terrorist attack. That conversation must be measured and based on the facts.”
Washington, D.C. - November 1, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) issued this statement on potentially holding the suspect in the New York City terror attack, Sayfullo Habibullaevic Saipov, as an enemy combatant for intelligence gathering purposes.
“I’m very pleased to hear that President Trump is considering holding Mr. Saipov as an enemy combatant. The President understands the difference between a terrorist and a common criminal. If an individual acts like a terrorist and says they’re a terrorist, they should be treated like a terrorist.
“Based on the current evidence, it would be very appropriate to initially hold Mr. Saipov as a suspected enemy combatant to allow us to gather the best and most reliable intelligence regarding his activities.
“Mr. Saipov does not have to be transferred to GTMO, but that certainly is an option available to the Administration. My main goal is to gather as much reliable intelligence as quickly as possible. We are fighting a war – not a crime.”
Washington, D.C. - November 1, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement today on the terrorist attack in New York City:
“The terrorist attack in New York is the latest brutal, horrific example of the war that radical Islamist extremists are waging against our nation and our way of life. From Orlando to San Bernardino and Boston to Manhattan, we must not consider these attacks on our homeland in isolation, but rather recognize them for what they are: acts of war. As such, the New York terror suspect should be held and interrogated—thoroughly, responsibly, and humanely—as an enemy combatant consistent with the Law of Armed Conflict. He should not be read Miranda Rights, as enemy combatants are not entitled to them. As soon as possible, the administration should notify Congress how it plans to proceed with the interrogation and trial of this suspect.
“Finally, I agree with criticisms of the Diversity Visa Program, which is why I joined my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in 2013 to pass comprehensive immigration reform in the Senate that would have eliminated this program and replaced it with a merit-based system. Now more than ever, Congress should come together to devise and pass legislation to fully and humanely reform our broken immigration system and secure the homeland.”
Washington, D.C. - November 1, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Following an apparent terrorist attack in which a truck was used to kill eight and injure 15 more people in lower Manhattan today, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), released the following statement:
“Today's terrorist attack was a preplanned barbaric act of violence against innocent civilians that deserves the condemnation of every citizen of every nation. Yet even in the face of such savagery, I know that our city is too strong, too resilient, to let terrorists dictate how we live. We intend to carry on with the same vigor and determination that lights up our city every day, even in the darkest of times.
“I am incredibly grateful for the swift response of New York’s finest and our first responders, and for the abundance of caution the NYPD is exhibiting with their stepped-up presence to keep our city feeling safe. I am confident that the NYPD and FBI will conduct a thorough investigation and bring the perpetrator to justice.
“Our hearts break today for the families of the eight people killed by this madman and I send my hopes for swift recoveries to all those injured. We will stay New York strong, and get through this together.”
Police Commissioner James P. O'Neill: Good afternoon everybody. Steve, are we good? Alright. Just keep in mind that this incident occurred a little more than two hours ago so all the information that we are giving you right now is preliminary and subject to change.
After I speak you are going to hear from Governor Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio, Bill Sweeney from the Assistant Director in charge of the New York FBI offices standing up here with me too, we have members [inaudible] of my executive staff. We have Cy Vance and members of the state police.
First, I just want to say that today there was a loss of innocent life in Lower Manhattan. The dead and injured were just going about their days, heading home from work or from school, or enjoying the afternoon sun on bicycles. This is a tragedy of the greatest magnitude for many people, for many families here in New York City and beyond today.
I want to commend the response of our NYPD officer that was on post near the location who stopped the carnage moments after it began. And also work, the work of the first responders, including the Fire Department and the EMS personal surely helped save additional lives.
As I said I will give more of a chronology in a couple of minutes, but right now I would like to introduce Mayor de Blasio.
Mayor Bill de Blasio: Thank you Commissioner. It's a very a painful day in our city – horrible tragedy on the West side. Let me be that clear based on the information we have at this moment, this was act of terror. And a particularly cowardly act of terror aimed at innocent civilians, aimed at people going about their lives who had no idea what was about to hit them.
We at this moment, based on the information we have, we know of eight innocent people who have lost their lives and over a dozen more injured. We know that this action was intended to break our spirit but we also know New Yorkers are strong, New Yorkers are resilient. And our spirit will never be moved by an act of violence, an act meant to immediate us.
We have been tested before as a city very near the site of today's tragedy. And New Yorkers did not give in in the face of these kinds of actions. We will respond as we always do. We will be undeterred. And I want to thank everyone at the NYPD, all our first responders for their extraordinary efforts in the midst of this tragedy, starting with the officer who stopped this tragedy from continuing – all the first responders who came to the aid of those who were injured.
An investigation is under way to get all the facts and what we will tell you today will of course be preliminary. But we know we will get down to the bottom of what happened. I want to ask all New Yorkers, all Americans to keep the families of those lost in your thoughts and prayers. They will need our support.
And I want to ask all New Yorkers to be vigilant. We know it's Halloween night. And we know in the days ahead people will be uneasy. We ask all New Yorkers to live by the idea – if you see something, say something – tell an officer immediately if you see anything unusual, anything that worries you. Be vigilant and know that there will be extensive additional employments of NYPD officers this evening and throughout the days ahead.
We will also keep you posted as this investigation continues and as the NYPD gains more information. Governor Cuomo.
Governor Andrew Cuomo: Thank you. First, our thoughts and prayers with those New Yorkers who we lost today – it reminds us all how precious life is. They left the house this morning – they were enjoying the beautiful Westside of Manhattan on a beautiful fall day and they are not going to be returning home. And that shock and that pain is going to be very real. And our thoughts [inaudible] our prayers are with all of them.
Our first responders did an extraordinary job. The NYPD, the FDNY, the FBI, the New York State Police, EMS – they, we have the finest security on the globe and to see them in action today proved that once again.
The new terrorist tactic which they have called for publicly, are these lone wolves who commit an act of terror. This is all very preliminary – it's only been a couple of hours. But at this point, there's no evidence to suggest a wider plot or a wider scheme, but the actions of one individual who meant to cause pain and harm and probably death, and the resulting terror, and that was the purpose.
We will be vigilant – more police everywhere, you'll see them in the airports, you'll see them in the tunnels. It's not because there's any evidence of any ongoing threat or any additional threat, it is just out of vigilance and out of caution. And the truth is, New York is an international symbol of freedom and democracy – that's what we are – and we are proud of it. That also makes us a target for those people who oppose those concepts, and we've lived with this before, we've felt the pain before, we feel the pain today, but we go forward together and we go forward stronger than ever.
We're not going to let them win, and if we change our lives, we contort ourselves to them, then they win and we lose. We'll go about our business – again, there's no ongoing threat, there's not evidence of that at this time. So, there's no reason to have any undue anxiety. You will see more security forces, but that's only because it's an abundance of caution and not a signal of anything else. And there will be continued investigation and justice will be done. But again, to those we lost – they're in our thoughts and our prayers.
To the first responders, thank you, thank you, thank you for the job you do. You put your life one the line every day. You do it better than anyone else. And to New Yorkers – be New Yorkers and live your life and don't let them change us or deter us in any manner, shape, or form.
Thank you.
Commissioner O'Neill: Thanks, Governor Cuomo. Thank you, Mr. Mayor. As I said, I'm going to go through the chronology here. And I know when I'm done, you're going to have a lot of questions, but we're not going to go too deep into it, it's only two hours. And after I get done with the chronology, Dan Nigro is going to talk about the injuries.
It's about 3:05 pm, a male driving a rented Home Depot pickup truck entered the West Side Highway bicycle path at Houston Street, began driving southbound, striking a number of pedestrians and bicyclists along the route. At Chambers Street, the truck collided with a school bus, injuring two adults and two children. After the collision, the driver of the truck – a 29-year-old male – exited the vehicle, brandishing two handguns. The uniformed police officer assigned to the 1st Precinct, confronted the subject and shot him in the abdomen. The subject was wounded and transported to a local hospital. A paintball gun and a pellet gun were recovered at the scene. The subject's identity is not being released at this time pending further investigation. At this point, there are eight fatalities reported in connection with this incident. In addition, several people have been injured and Commissioner Nigro from our Fire Department will discuss that.
Dan?
Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro: Thank you, Jim. As the Police Commissioner said, six people died – they were pronounced at the scene between Houston Street and Chambers Street. They were all males. Two others were transported in traumatic arrest and were pronounced at the hospital. We also transported 11 people, all with serious but, at this moment, not life-threatening injuries. The injuries are what you may expect as a truck went at high speed down that bicycle path and struck bicyclists and pedestrians. There may be more injuries as people self-evacuated and we will determine that later as we do our survey. But that's the patient count and the deaths as we know it now.
Commissioner O'Neill: Alright, at this point, we're going to take some questions.
Myles, hold on – Myles –
Question: [Inaudible]
Commissioner O'Neill: John, you want to talk about the program a little bit?
Deputy Commissioner John Miller, Intelligence and Counter-terrorism, NYPD: So, as you know, through the SHIELD program, we do a very wide outreach. We have just under 20,000 members in the private sector. After ISIS, [inaudible] magazine came out with the issue just about two years ago around this time of year suggesting car attacks. You'll recall, one of the targets they suggest was the Thanksgiving Day Parade. We went and did extensive outreach to the truck rental business. We visited over 148 truck rental locations in this area. The obvious ones – U-Haul, Ryder, Home Depot, etcetera, and talked about suspicious indicators, ways to come forward. After attacks on the German Christmas market, after Nice, we repeated those visits two more times either by making telephonic contact, email, or going back to the same places. So, the industry has had a high level of awareness on this matter from the NYPD.
Question: [Inaudible]
Commissioner O'Neill: It's way too early to discuss that. I mean, this just happened two hours ago and it's of course part of our investigation.
Question: [Inaudible]
Commissioner O'Neill: Initially, we thought it might have been but it turned out not to be. Yeah?
Question: [Inaudible]
Commissioner O'Neill: It's all part of the investigation.
Question: [Inaudible]
Commissioner O'Neill: No, this incident is over. It did end right by Stuyvesant High School, so we had to make sure all the kids were taken care of, and we held them in place for a while, and it was important we do that, but this incident is over.
David?
Question: [Inaudible]
Commissioner O'Neill: He's a 29-year-old male and I'm not going to talk about the truck right now.
Right there?
Question: [Inaudible] the suspect said [inaudible] anything to that effect. Is that the only indication that this may be an act of terrorism, or do you have – what else [inaudible]
Commissioner O'Neill: Yeah, he did make a statement when he exited the vehicle. And if you just look at the M-O of the attack – that's consistent with what's been going on. So, that, along with the statement that's enabled us to label this a terrorist event.
Question: [Inaudible]
Commissioner O'Neill: No, not right now.
Question: [Inaudible] nationality and was there any intelligence leading up to this [inaudible]
Commissioner O'Neill: Again, two hours old, and we'll update you as we go along.
Lenny?
Question: [Inaudible]
Commissioner O'Neill: It's being conducted jointly with the NYPD and the FBI.
Question: [Inaudible]
Commissioner O'Neill: From Florida? I'm not going to go into that.
John?
Question: [Inaudible]
Commissioner O'Neill: Not – John – not right now, no.
Yes?
Question: [Inaudible]
Commissioner O'Neill: After the Times Square incident I talked about this. Any incident that happens in New York or happens in the country or happens around the world, we have to learn from that, so of course we're going to take a look at that.
Yes?
Question: [Inaudible]
Commissioner O'Neill: Yes, he's in the hospital. I'm not going to tell you what hospital.
And I'm going to let Chief Gomez talk about what we're doing for the Halloween parade tonight.
Carlos?
Chief of Department Carlos Gomez, NYPD: In less than 90 minutes that parade will kick off. We will proceed with the parade and certainly we've added more resources, more police officers, heavy weapons teams, blocker vehicles on the street leading to the route as well as more sand truck. There's also heavy weapons teams being deployed throughout the city at key, iconic locations.
Question: [Inaudible]
Commissioner O'Neill: Well, this is why we do investigation. Initially, I'm sure, whoever put that out isn't sure what the event was, and now two hours into it this is the determination that we've made.
Yes, in the first row?
Question: [Inaudible]
Commissioner O'Neill: Too early in the investigation to know that.
Rocco?
Question: [Inaudible]
Commissioner O'Neill: I haven't looked at the video let. We're retrieving as much video as possible. What we do know is he entered the bike path at Houston Street and exited the bike path at Chambers Street when he collided with the school bus. And there are no intersection on the west side of the bike path between Houston and Chambers.
In the – hold on, one second – in the back there?
Question: [Inaudible]
Commissioner O'Neill: Dan, do you have that?
There are among the injured that are serious but not life threatening.
Yes?
Question: [Inaudible]
Commissioner O'Neill: We're not going to talk about where the Home Depot was rented from just yet, and Bob, do we know how many people were on the bus?
There were two adults and two children on the school us.
In the back, Lisa?
Question: [Inaudible]
Commissioner O'Neill: Don't know. That's part of the investigation.
Yes?
Commissioner O'Neill: No, we don't have that yet.
Unknown: [Inaudible]
Mayor: I'll just close this off here by saying look, the NYPD is investigating this with our federal partners, with our State partners. There's going to be a very, very thorough investigation, but the most important thing – as Governor Cuomo said, as Chief O'Neill said – people should go about their business knowing the NYPD is out in force with our partner agencies tonight and throughout the week. Very important additional measures are going to be taken for people's safety, but the bottom line is we are going to go about our business in the city, and we are not going to be deterred. And we'll get you updates later on in the evening.
Washington, D.C. - October 24, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- API welcomed a bipartisan letter, led by Congressman Ken Buck, R-Colo., sent today by 84 members of Congress urging U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions to protect against the sabotage of oil and natural gas pipelines, such as the dangerous tactics taken by extremists in October 2016 to illegally shut off several cross border pipelines.
“Safety is our industry’s core value, and any illegal or dangerous effort to undermine safety and bring harm to the environment and communities should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said API Midstream and Industry Operations Group Director Robin Rorick. “We take these attacks very seriously, and we welcome the bipartisan efforts in Congress to strengthen our nation’s infrastructure that delivers the energy Americans demand every day.”
The bipartisan Congressional letter reinforces API’s efforts to engage with the Administration, including the Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, and the Transportation Security Administration, on the need for effective deterrence against the willful disruption of and damage to pipeline infrastructure.
“A key component of securing our nation’s energy infrastructure is ensuring that law enforcement has the tools needed to prosecute those who attack it,” Rorick said. “We appreciate this bipartisan effort and look forward to working with lawmakers and law enforcement in protecting our industry’s personnel, the environment and communities across the country.”
API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 10.3 million U.S. jobs and nearly 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 625 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 40 million Americans.
