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Possible U.S. Terrorist Threat - Thwarted?


Homeland Security Advisor John Brennan with White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs speaking to the media in the John Brady briefing room. Photo/CD Brown.
 (via Statement from White House)

Last night, intelligence and law enforcement agencies discovered potential suspicious packages on two planes in transit to the United States. Based on close cooperation among U.S. government agencies and with our foreign allies and partners, authorities were able to identify and examine two suspicious packages, one in East Midlands, United Kingdom (London) and one in Dubai. Both of these packages originated from Yemen. As a result of security precautions triggered by this threat, the additional measures were taken regarding the flights at Newark Liberty and Philadelphia International Airports.

The President was notified of a potential terrorist threat on Thursday night at 10:35, by John Brennan, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counter-terrorism. The President directed U.S. intelligence and law enforcement agencies, and the Department of Homeland Security, to take steps to ensure the safety and security of the American people, and to determine whether these threats are a part of any additional terrorist plotting. The President has received regular updates from his national security team since he was alerted to the threat.

End Statement
_______________
 
CNN has more details here.  Listen to the President and John Brennan, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security updating Americans and talking to the media about the thwarted attempt.

Brennan stated that no Americans were in danger as suspicious packages where found in cargo areas of two planes.  The packages were addressed to two synagogues near Chicago.  Press Secretary Robert Gibbs stated that Americans should continue their daily activities without changing their schedules.  The President's travel plans to Chicago and the continuation of his campaign rally stops have not been altered.


Got a question about this or other issues?  Ask it via Press Secretary Robert Gibbs' Twitter account at @PressSec Twitter via the White House First Question forum, an opportunity for everyday people to have a question answered before White House press briefings.
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