Statement of the Honorable Tom Ridge on Terror Attack in Belgium

WASHINGTON, DC (March 22, 2016) – Gov. Tom Ridge, the nation’s first Secretary of Homeland Security, today issued the following statement on today’s terror attacks in Belgium:

“My thoughts are with the people of Belgium today, victims of yet another horrific attack targeting our democratic values. All Americans stand with our friends in Europe at this difficult moment.

“It will take some time until we know the details of what led to this attack, but Americans already are rightly asking what does this mean to us. We don’t secure the homeland from Washington. So, over the next several days, DHS, the FBI and others are likely to share with state and local communities information they develop through intelligence and the investigation in Brussels. You can expect federal law enforcement and DHS to send out advisories to state and local communities about potential counter-measures and how to be prepared.

“The attacks in Brussels are only the latest reminder that we need to be vigilant. Not breathless and not hunkered down in fear. But vigilant. If you see something, say something. Otherwise, we need to go about our lives. Terrorists want us to live in fear and we’re not going to do that.”

###

Contact:

Steve Aaron
(717) 554-8614
steve@SRAcommunications.com