Rep. Pete King Statement Regarding Arrest of
Home Grown Terrorist from Long Island
July 30, 2009
The recent arrest and indictment of a Patchogue resident, who was charged with conspiracy to attack the NYC subway system and LIRR commuter trains -- as well as taking part in recent attacks against American troops in Afghanistan, is a vivid reminder of the threat we face from “homegrown” Islamic terrorists.
This individual, Bryant Vinas, is a Muslim convert who changed his name to Ibrahim and travelled to Pakistan where he was trained by al Qaeda. He was known to his fellow Islamic terrorists as “Bashir el Ameriki” – Bashir the American. It was his capture in Pakistan last November which caused a security alert on the subways and the LIRR during the Thanksgiving holiday.
I have said for some time that a number of Mosques on Long Island are under surveillance by law enforcement and that we face a very real threat from homegrown terrorists who live among us. Terrorism experts believe that the next attack against New York City will be launched from the suburbs. This is similar to what al Qaeda did in its attacks on Madrid and London. This is why I have spoken out against Muslim leaders who do not cooperate with law enforcement and fought so hard to restore funding for nuclear detection equipment for New York City and Long Island which the Obama administration removed from the budget of the Homeland Security Department.
As Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Committee and having just been appointed to the Intelligence Committee, I will continue to do all that I can to protect our region from Islamic terrorists. While we have successfully prevented a number of attacks since 9/11, al Qaeda only has to be lucky once and thousands of Americans will die. We must stay on offense and never let our guard down.
King on the Issues
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Fire Departments Impacted by Hurricane Sandy May Be Eligible for FEMA Public Assistance Grants - Provides assistance for debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair, replacement, or restoration of disaster-damaged fire stations, as well as emergency equipment, gear, and emergency vehicles - 12/5/2012 - See More.
Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power (STEP) Program for Hurricane Sandy Victims - The program funds certain necessary and essential measures to help restore power, heat and hot water to primary residences that could regain power through necessary and essential repairs - 11/19/2012 - See More.
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