The Threat of Terror Attacks Remains

I led an official Homeland Security subcommittee visit to New York this weekend to examine and learn more about the counterterrorism and law enforcement capabilities of the New York Police Department. We also had the opportunity to tour the Nassau County Police Department Center for Training and Intelligence, and the 9/11 Museum at Ground Zero — which was very moving. 

They are doing incredible work combatting terrorism not just in New York, but across the country. We were told that the absence of a large-scale attack doesn’t mean the absence of a threat. The NYPD reported that they have thwarted over 50 large-scale terror attacks in NYC since 9/11, and over half of those were only since 2017.

It was startling to hear that the threat of Al Qaeda is continuing to get worse and that Tehran has lost all control and bad actors have continued acting alone.

We also heard of terrible targeted attacks on police officers, which only underscores the importance of strong support for law enforcement from all levels of public officials.

It was a privilege to be joined by my wife and daughter, and New York Representatives: Congressman Mike Lawler and former NYPD detective Congressman Anthony D'Esposito — who fought crime on the streets of New York for more than a decade. 

Thank you to all of our law enforcement heroes! We are grateful for your service in protecting Americans.