Statement of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee on Terrorist Incidents in New York New Jersey and Minnesota

Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON DC - Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee a Senior Member of the House Homeland Security Committee and the Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime Terrorism Homeland Security and Investigations released the following statement regarding the events in New York New Jersey and Minnesota:

First responders in Linden New Jersey have apprehended the person believed to be responsible for the explosion in Manhattan on Saturday night and an attempted bombing of a 5K run to benefit Marines in New Jersey our nations ultimate first responders that was scheduled to take place earlier on Saturday. The arrest in Linden came after the police issued a cellphone alert to millions of residents in the area requesting to them to be on the lookout for the suspect. As a senior member of the House Homeland Security Committee and an American I am grateful for the well-coordinated and executed response of local state and federal agencies to the terrorism incidents which occurred in New York and New Jersey and Minnesota.  My thoughts and prayers are with the 8 victims in Minnesota and the 29 victims injured in New York. The attempted attack in New Jersey was unsuccessful due to the quick action of local law enforcement the BATFE and the Department of Homeland Security. As the investigation continues we will learn more. I note however that FBI Director Comey has stated that there may be terrorist cells active in each of the 50 states.  It is our responsibility as policy makers to provide the tools necessary and the support needed for the agency along with state and local law enforcement to combat and defeat threats to the security of the homeland. manage this ongoing threat to homeland security. The critical post event investigative tool for identification of the suspect has once again proven to be video surveillance. The picture of the suspect or persons of interest allows for the public to be quickly mobilized when needed to assist first responders in apprehending those responsible for planning or committing acts of terrorism. The importance of the public being engaged and supportive of first responder requests for assistance in identifying suspects is critical to apprehension. I thank and commend all of those who were instrumental in leading to the apprehension of the person suspected of planning and executing the New York and New Jersey incidents I applaud the quick action and professionalism of the first responders in quickly apprehending the person of interest and preventing loss of life. I also thank the public for its assistance and cooperation which made it easier for law enforcement to identify and apprehend the suspect in the New York attack. Law enforcement assisted by a public that says something when it sees something can defeat domestic terrorists."

Congresswoman Jackson Lee is a senior member of the House Committees on Judiciary and Homeland Security and is Ranking Member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime Terrorism Homeland Security and Investigations.