Ahead Of Major Events In DC, Leader Schumer Urges Leader Thune To Hold A Briefing On Recent Potential Terror Activities Throughout The Country
New York, N.Y. – Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) sent the following letter to Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) urging him to convene an all-Senators briefing on the recent horrific attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas to ensure that all appropriate steps are being taken to provide enhanced security for upcoming high profile events in the nation’s capital.
In a new letter, Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said he’s ready to work together with Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) to convene an all Senators briefing on the recent events in New Orleans and Las Vegas.
Leader Schumer noted that the Capitol is hosting several historic national events this month – including the inauguration – and wants to make sure Senators are provided with information to make informed decisions about security policy, emergency response, and support for the Capitol complex and the affected communities.
The full text of the letter can be seen here and below.
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Dear Senator Thune,
As the Federal Bureau of Investigation continues to investigate the horrific attack that claimed 14 innocent victims in New Orleans, as well as the incident involving explosives in Las Vegas, I write to request that we hold a briefing as soon as possible to ensure all senators are fully informed of the ongoing situation, as well as steps that are being taken to provide enhanced security for other upcoming high-profile events taking place in the weeks ahead.
Earlier this week, the FBI provided a telephonic briefing to our staffs and several members from both the House and the Senate. FBI special agents and other law enforcement partners are currently conducting court authorized search warrants in multiple states to collect evidence and better understand the motives behind these two attacks. Given the severity of these incidents and the risk of further attacks and copycat actors, it is essential for the Senate to remain actively engaged in understanding the scope of the attacks and to ensure that appropriate actions are taken to address any threat posed by domestic or international terrorism.
Additionally, the Capitol is hosting several high-profile national events this month – including the inauguration on January 20. The federal government and its state and local partners have been developing security plans for these events. However, in light of the attacks on New Year’s Day, I believe a comprehensive briefing on the investigations in New Orleans and Las Vegas, as well as security planning for the major upcoming public events at the Capitol, is necessary to provide senators with information to make informed decisions about security policy, emergency response, and support for the Capitol complex and the affected communities.
As has been the practice in the Senate, both Leaders have worked together in a bipartisan way to organize these briefings. I am ready to work with you to facilitate this briefing at the earliest convenience and recommend we invite senior representatives from relevant agencies, including the U.S. Capitol Police, the FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security, to ensure that all aspects of the attacks and preparation for upcoming events are covered thoroughly.
Thank you for your consideration of this important request. I look forward to working with you in the 119th congress to ensure the safety and security of the American people.
Sincerely,
Charles E. Schumer
United States Senator
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