President Obama and his national security team assured people Wednesday afternoon that there are no signs of an imminent terrorist attack in the United States like the one Paris experienced almost two weeks ago.
“Right now, we know of no specific and credible intelligence indicating a plot on the homeland, and that is based on the latest information I just received in the situation room,” he said in the White House.
“As we go into Thanksgiving weekend, what I want the American people to know is that we are taking every possible step to keep our homeland safe,” he added.
The assurance comes even though the Islamic State made threats against the U.S. and other countries in the days following the Paris attack, which killed 130 people. He said those attacks understandably raise fears among people, but encouraged people nonetheless to go about their plans.
“Given the shocking images, I know that Americans have been asking each other whether it’s safe here, whether it’s safe to fly, or gather,” he said. “It’s understandable that people worry something similar could happen here.”
Obama’s statement was delivered after a meeting with his national security team, which joined him as he delivered his statement. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Susan Rice, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Lisa Monaco and FBI Director James Comey all stood with Obama as he spoke.
Obama encouraged Americans to enjoy their holiday weekend knowing that security officials “are on the case,” but advised them “to be vigilant. “If you see something suspicious, say something; that’s always helpful, but otherwise Americans should go about their usual Thanksgiving activities,” he said.
As for what the U.S. and the 65-nation anti-ISIS coalition it leads are doing in the wake of the attacks on Paris, he said, “We are stepping pressure on ISIL where they live and we will not let up … until they are beaten.”
Homeland Security and other agencies “continue to do everything possible to prevent terrorist attacks” and keep would-be attackers from entering the homeland, he added.
