Terrorism

June 5, 2009 -- The Department's Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Kansas have launched a federal investigation into federal crimes in connection with the murder of Dr. George Tiller. The federal probe will consist of a thorough review of the evidence and an assessment of any potential violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act (FACE Act) or other federal statutes.

The federal investigation will be conducted in close coordination with the Office of the Sedgwick County, Kan., District Attorney, and the state's ongoing murder prosecution will have the full support of federal investigators.    » read more »

June 1, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. – In response to the murder of Dr. George Tiller, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand issued the following statement:

"I am outraged and saddened that in this day and age, a doctor is murdered simply for working on behalf of his patients.

"While the issue of reproductive rights provokes emotions on both sides, threats of violence and harassment are morally reprehensible and should not be tolerated.

"Dr. Tiller’s death is a tremendous loss for all those who care about the health and well being of women and families.

"My thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Tiller's family.”

Source: Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

June 1, 2009 -- "I send my condolences to Dr. Tiller's family, friends and patients who relied on him.

The debate over abortion rights is very difficult and reaches deep into religion, philosophy and one’s view of Roe v. Wade.

Everyone has the right to work for changes in the law. But to assault a health care worker, a patient or anyone else because of a disagreement about an issue, regardless of how contentious, brings all of humanity down into a dark pit of violence.

Such actions must not be tolerated.    » read more »

May 31, 2009 -- New York Governor David A. Paterson issued the following statement on the murder of Dr. George Tiller:

“I was deeply saddened to learn that Dr. George Tiller, a well-known provider of and advocate for women’s health care, was gunned down this morning at his church in Wichita, Kansas. With his murder, we are robbed not only of a dedicated and courageous physician, but also of a husband, father and neighbor. On behalf of all New Yorkers, I would like to express my deepest condolences to Dr. Tiller’s family, friends and community. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.    » read more »

NEW YORK, NY – May 31, 2009 -- Cecile Richards, President of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, today issued the following statement on the murder of reproductive health care provider Dr. George Tiller in Wichita, KS.

The entire Planned Parenthood family is deeply saddened by the murder of Dr. George Tiller. While he was not a Planned Parenthood provider, he was an integral part of our community and his loss is felt by all of us. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and those close to him who are suffering a personal tragedy.    » read more »

May 27, 2009 -- "Thank you, Tim, for that introduction, and my thanks to the Foreign Policy Association for inviting me to be here tonight. It is an honor to speak to the members of an organization who have added so much to our nation’s foreign policy debate over the years.    » read more »

May 26, 2009 -- As President, my highest priority is the safety and security of the American people. That is why, in February, I issued a Presidential Study Directive to look at how the White House should be organized to deal with the critical issues of homeland security and counterterrorism.

I have carefully reviewed the findings and recommendations of that study, and am announcing a new approach which will strengthen our security and the safety of our citizens. These decisions reflect the fundamental truth that the challenges of the 21st Century are increasingly unconventional and transnational, and therefore demand a response that effectively integrates all aspects of American power.

Key decisions that I have made include:    » read more »

May 20, 2009 -- LEV L. DASSIN, the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, JOSEPH M. DEMAREST, JR., the Assistant-Director-in-Charge of the New York Field Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation ("FBI"), RAYMOND W. KELLY, the Police Commissioner for the City of New York, HARRY J.    » read more »

May 21, 2009 -- Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), Chairman of Judiciary Terrorism and Homeland Security Subcommittee and Chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, released the following statement in response to President Obama’s remarks on national security delivered today at the National Archives:    » read more »

May 15, 2009 -- Military commissions have a long tradition in the United States. They are appropriate for trying enemies who violate the laws of war, provided that they are properly structured and administered. In the past, I have supported the use of military commissions as one avenue to try detainees, in addition to prosecution in Article III courts. In 2006, I voted in favor of the use of military commissions.    » read more »

May 14, 2009 -- Washington D.C. -- Timothy J. Healy has been named director of the FBI’s Terrorist Screening Center (TSC). FBI Director Robert S. Mueller, III appointed him to this position to replace Director Leonard Boyle, who recently left the FBI for a position in the private sector. Most recently, Mr. Healy served acting director of the TSC.

“The TSC strives to ensure the proper balance between protecting our national security and the need for accurate, efficient, and streamlined watchlisting processes. Tim’s experience in the TSC from its earliest days will be an invaluable asset to his service as its director,” said Director Mueller.    » read more »

April 11, 2009 -- WASHINGTON – In his weekly address, President Barack Obama extended his best wishes to everyone celebrating this week’s Passover and Easter holidays and called on nations around the world to come together to solve the current trials facing the world. On the heels of his weeklong trip overseas, the President said he believes it is important to acknowledge no single nation can solve global problems like a recession, international terrorism, climate change, or nuclear proliferation. But, working with other nations, the United States can lead the way in overcoming these challenges.

Remarks of President Barack Obama
Weekly Address
Saturday, April 11, 2009    » read more »

March 2, 2009 -- WASHINGTON -- The Department of Justice today released two previously undisclosed Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) memoranda and seven previously undisclosed opinions.

"Americans deserve a government that operates with transparency and openness," said Attorney General Eric Holder. "It is my goal to make OLC opinions available when possible while still protecting national security information and ensuring robust internal executive branch debate and decision-making."    » read more »

Defendant Also Agrees to Plead Guilty to Beating D.C. Prison Guard Unconscious

February 26, 2009 --
WASHINGTON – An Iraqi-born Dutch citizen today pleaded guilty to conspiring with others to murder Americans overseas, including by planting roadside bombs targeting U.S. soldiers in Fallujah, Iraq, and by demonstrating on video how these explosives would be detonated to destroy American vehicles and their occupants.    » read more »

February 11, 2009 -- Washington, DC - The U.S. Department of the Treasury today targeted the support network of the Sri Lanka-based designated terrorist group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) by designating the U.S.-based Tamil Foundation under Executive Order 13224. Executive Order 13224 targets terrorists and those providing support to terrorists or acts of terrorism.

"The LTTE, like other terrorist groups, has relied on so-called charities to raise funds and advance its violent aims," said Adam J. Szubin, Director of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control. "We will continue to aggressively target attempts by any terrorist group to hide behind charities, front companies, or name changes to propagate terror against innocents around the world."    » read more »