Members of the U.S. Capitol Police and the FBI arrested an individual in the area of the U.S. Capitol. This arrest was the culmination of a lengthy and extensive operation during which the individual was closely and carefully monitored. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
According to The Washington Post, today “[t]he FBI and the U.S. Capitol Police arrested a man…after a lengthy investigation into an alleged plot to carry out a suicide attack on the Capitol.”
This could well turn out to be (at least) the 45th terrorist plot aimed at American soil since 9/11 that has been foiled. Number 44 occurred a little over a month ago. From the early accounts, it looks like this takedown represents another example of the right way to conduct effective counterterrorism—by thwarting the plots before they get close to execution. This is done by effective investigations, good intelligence, and productive information sharing.
The attack also reminds that there is little room for complacency. There is an enemy out there trying to kill us, and we need to be working 24/7/365 to stop them. The most recent incident underscores the need to study closely the most recent dramatic changes announced by the Administration in counterterrorism strategy. We need a serious debate about whether they will make us more or less safe.
This is not about election-year politics. As I wrote earlier this week, “After all, the terrorists don’t care whether the West Wing is run by the left wing or the right wing. All they are trying to do is kill us.” There a serious concerns, even with today’s successful intervention, over whether we are really ready for the next wave of terrorism.
why do we let these people into our country
Because we let them into the Oval Office
WELL SAID!!!!!
many of the 45 plots we identified originated from in the US
Well I wonder if this also will end up in being a workplace incident, instead of calling this the terrorist plot that it is and also cover up the fact that this guy is a God fearing, peace loving Islamist whos religion is just misunderstood by us heretics that call ourselves Christians!!
terrorists are small percentage of any groups, except other terrorists. Yet, the fact remains that at least 45 plots aimed at the US since 9/11 are linked to Islamist groups and their ideology, Islamism is not only at the root of serious terrorist threats against the Unitied States it is an ideology as incompatible with the principles of freedom and justice as communism.
Yeah, cause white Christians never before terrorist acts, like bomb abortion clinics. Nice xenophobic comments folks.
The FBI planned this to be executed the day the testimony was given by Kurt Haskell ( http://haskellfamily.blogspot.com/2012/02/victim-… ) in the other FBI executed Christmas day plot.
This is not foiling terror, it's encouraging it, and then putting it on the news to keep us all in a state of fear. It's patent manipulation.
To Obama … terrorist acts are "workplace violence"! Defeat liberalism in November and lets confine it to its proper place: the dustbin of history.
From the sound of it, the FBI all but drove this guy to the Capitol steps, after outfitting him with the vest and the gun. Seems to me the Feds work very hard to manufacture these so-called threats. Sure the terrorists are still coming – because we keep building them!
This way, The Annoited One can show everyone how tough he is on terrorism and protecting the home-land. Homeland Security, DOJ are his best friends………they will propogandize him into another 4 years, just you watch.
…and the left says these poor, pitiful illegal aliens just come to work so they can stay!
When one reasons all “terrorism” is planned; terrorists are recruited from some population; are trained in some location; are funded and equipped by some interest; and transported by some means (without every part of the scenario in place, terrorism stops); the “wisdom” of withdrawal from Iraq, Afghanistan, and Egypt is indeed in question.
Wait a minute? I throught since Obama and "big sis" refused to call these guys "terrorist" they would fall in love with us again because the evil, war monger Bush is no longer running the show. Your mean they still
want to harm us. What a surprise!
James, Great piece and and even better reminder of what is on the radar. I am going to quote you in a case study I am writing for my companies physical security stress test. You are always spot on!
How do you suppress a nation angry with it's political abuse?. Scare them into believing their in danger while giving support for more police and less freedoms on travel and movement.
Where watching the largest buildup of a police state in the history of the world, all at tax payers expense.
I believe that there are peace loving islamist today: but when the status quo changes , they won't be peace loving.
The Terrorist are still coming?
The recently released movie: Act of Valor, should be required viewing by all adult Americans.
Then we're have a real conversation about terrorism.