White House press secretary Sarah Sanders praised residents of New York City and first responders in the wake of Tuesday’s terror attack for demonstrating how the “American spirit will never be broken,” but said the attack highlights the need for “careful vetting” of those who enter the U.S.
“This attack underscores that the terrorist threat is real. As we defeat ISIS and affiliated groups abroad, we must be vigilant here in our country as they seek other ways to attack the homeland,” Sanders said during Wednesday’s White House press briefing. “Inspiring such attacks through hateful propaganda has always been part of ISIS and other terrorists’ strategy.”
“This underscores the need for careful vetting of who enters our country,” she continued. “There are hundreds of active law enforcement investigations into foreign nationals suspected of engaging in terrorism, and we must vet those seeking entry into the United States thoroughly.”
Sarah Sanders on NYC terror attack: “The American spirit will never be broken” pic.twitter.com/AW0nmJEjF3
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) November 1, 2017
Twenty-nine-year-old Sayfullo Saipov, an Uzbek national, allegedly drove a rented Home Depot truck down a bike path in lower Manhattan on Tuesday, striking pedestrians before the truck ultimately came to a stop after crashing into a school bus.
Saipov reportedly came to the U.S. in 2010 through the diversity visa lottery, a State Department program.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said the attack was an act of terror.
Sanders praised New Yorkers for marching in the annual Village Halloween Parade Tuesday night, and highlighted the actions of New York City police officer Ryan Nash, 28, who shot the suspected attacker in the abdomen and apprehended him.
“Their message was heard loud and clear: The American spirit will never be broken,” Sanders said of New Yorkers who participated in the parade. “Those who hope we will succumb to fear will never get what they want, and those who seek to divide us will only bring us closer together.”
“In the midst of the attack, New York City’s finest, our incredible police and first responders, rushed to the aid of their fellow citizens. They did their duty. They ran into danger so that others could run away to safety, and they performed like the heroes this were born to be,” Sanders continued. “[T]he president has vowed to defend our country, protect our communities, and put the safety of Americans first. This is the oath he took as president and that is his sacred pledge to the citizens of our country.”
