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Good morning, everybody. I just want to take a few minutes to update the American people
on the attempted terrorist attack that occurred on Christmas Day and the steps we're taking
to ensure the safety and security of the country.
The investigation is ongoing and I spoke again this morning with Attorney General Eric Holder,
the Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, and my Counterterrorism and Homeland Security
Advisor John Brennan. I asked them to keep -- continue monitoring the situation, to
keep the American people and members of Congress informed.
Here's what we know so far. On Christmas Day, Northwest Airlines Flight 253 was en route
from Amsterdam, Netherlands to Detroit. As the plane made its final approach to Detroit
Metropolitan Airport, a passenger allegedly tried to ignite an explosive device on his
body, setting off a fire.
Thanks to the quick and heroic actions of passengers and crew, the suspect was immediately
subdued, the fire was put out, and the plane landed safely. The suspect is now in custody
and had been charged with attempting to destroy an aircraft. And a full investigation has
been launched into this attempted act of terrorism and we will not rest until we find all who
were involved and hold them accountable.
This was a serious reminder of the dangers that we face and the nature of those who threaten
our homeland. Had the suspect succeeded in bringing down that plane it could have killed
nearly 300 passengers and crew, innocent civilians preparing to celebrate the holidays with their
families and friends.
The American people should be assured that we are doing everything in our power to keep
you and your families safe and secure during this busy holiday season. Since I was first
notified of this incident I've ordered the following actions to be taken to protect the
American people and to secure air travel.
First, I directed that we take immediate steps to ensure the safety of the traveling public.
We made sure that all flights still in the air were secure and could land safely. We
immediately enhanced screening and security procedures for all flights, domestic and international.
We added federal air marshals to flights entering and leaving the United States. And we're working
closely in this country -- federal, state and local law enforcement -- with our international
partners.
Second, I've ordered two important reviews because it's absolutely critical that we learn
from this incident and take the necessary measures to prevent future acts of terrorism.
The first review involves our watch list system, which our government has had in place for
many years to identify known and suspected terrorists so that we can prevent their entry
into the United States.
Apparently the suspect in the Christmas incident was in the system, but not on a watch list
such as the so-called no-fly list. So I've ordered a thorough review not only of how
information related to the subject was handled, but of the overall watch list system and how
it can be strengthened.
The second review will examine all screening policies, technologies and procedures related
to air travel. We need to determine just how the suspect was able to bring dangerous explosives
aboard an aircraft and what additional steps we can take to thwart future attacks.
Third, I've directed my national security team to keep up the pressure on those who
would attack our country. We do not yet have all the answers about this latest attempt,
but those who would slaughter innocent men, women and children must know that the United
States will do more than simply strengthen our defenses -- we will continue to use every
element of our national power to disrupt, to dismantle, and defeat the violent extremists
who threaten us -- whether they are from Afghanistan or Pakistan, Yemen or Somalia, or anywhere
where they are plotting attacks against the U.S. homeland.
Finally, the American people should remain vigilant, but also be confident. Those plotting
against us seek not only to undermine our security, but also the open society and the
values that we cherish as Americans. This incident, like several that have preceded
it demonstrates that an alert and courageous citizenry are far more resilient than an isolated
extremist. As a nation we will do everything in our power to protect our country, as Americans
we will never give in to fear or division, we will be guided by our hopes, our unity,
and our deeply held values. That's who we are as Americans. And that's what our brave
men and women in uniform are standing up for as they spend the holidays in harm's way,
and we will continue to do everything that we can to keep America safe in the New Year
and beyond.
Before I leave let me also briefly address the events that have taken place over the
last few days in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The United States joins with the international community in strongly condemning the violent
and unjust suppression of innocent Iranian citizens, which has apparently resulted in
detentions, injuries and even death.
For months the Iranian people have sought nothing more than to exercise their universal
rights. Each time they have done so they have been met with the iron fist of brutality,
even on solemn occasions and holy days. And each time that has happened the world has
watched with deep admiration for the courage and the conviction of the Iranian people,
who are a part of Iran's great and enduring civilization.
What's taking place within Iran is not about the United States or any other country --
it's about the Iranian people and their aspirations for justice and a better life for themselves.
And the decision of Iran's leaders to govern through fear and tyranny will not succeed
in making those aspirations go away. As I said in Oslo, it's telling when governments
fear the aspirations of their own people more than the power of any other nation.
Along with all free nations the United States stands with those who seek their universal
rights. We call upon the Iranian government to abide by the international obligations
that it has to respect the rights of its own people. We call for the immediate release
of all who have been unjustly detained within Iran. We will continue to bear witness to
the extraordinary events that are taking place there. And I'm confident that history will
be on the side of those who seek justice.
Thank you very much, everybody, and Happy New Year.