Rep. Clarke Votes For Resolution Honoring New Yorkers Who Responded In Attempted Time Square Bombing

Statement

Today, the House of Representatives passed H.Res.1320, a resolution honoring those who responded to the attempted Times Square bombing. Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement:

"Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.Res. 1320, honoring those who responded to the attempted Times Square bombing, which was introduced by my distinguished colleague from Staten Island, Mike McMahon. This resolution is supported by the entire New York delegation and members from New Jersey, Connecticut and North Carolina. I want to thank Chairman Thompson for supporting the resolution and helping to bring it to the floor for a vote.

"This resolution honors the brave men and women that helped thwart this terrorist attempt and those who led the successful investigation efforts.

"Today, I am extremely proud to be a New Yorker. New Yorkers are a special breed. We are brave, resilient, and courageous. Lance Orton and Duane Jackson, used their keen New York instincts and street smarts to report the suspicious vehicle. Metro Transit Authority's "See Something, Say Something' campaign is proving successful in encouraging residents to report suspicious activity to keep New York City safe, and this resolution urges all Americans to remain vigilant about reporting potential terrorist or suspicious activities within their communities.

"NYPD Officer Wayne Rhatigan, led the immediate response efforts and acted swiftly with his colleagues in the New York Police Department, the Fire Department of New York and the bomb squad to thwart the detonation of the car bomb and evacuate hundreds of people from Times Square. This is yet another example of why our local first responders deserve full support of this Congress. These brave men and women put their lives on the line every day and they must be provided with the adequate tools and resources to effectively do their jobs.

"Federal authorities swiftly investigated the incident, proving that counterterrorism cooperation across government is working to keep us safe. Roughly 53 hours after the attempted car bombing in Times Square, the FBI, the New York Police Department (NYPD) and intelligence officials, quickly identified and arrested the suspect.

"Faisal Shahzad reportedly confessed to the crime upon his arrest and provided information that has lead to the arrest of two individuals in Pakistan. While details are still emerging and the investigation continues, we already know that this was a very successful counterterrorism effort.

"We know we live in a dangerous world with ever-evolving threats. The federal government and our state and local law enforcement authorities understand the nature of the threats and are working tirelessly to defeat them.

"As President Obama said, "New Yorkers have reminded us once again of how to live with their heads held high…We will not cower in fear. We will not be intimidated.'"

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