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For Immediate Release
July 14, 2004
Boston, MA - Good afternoon. Last week, we provided
the American people, state and local officials, members of Congress,
and first responders with the latest information on the threat of
a terrorist attack this summer and fall.
Credible reporting indicates that al-Qaeda is moving
forward with plans to carry out a large-scale attack in the United
States aimed to disrupt our democratic process.
One of the hallmarks of that process will take place
here in less than two weeks when Boston hosts the Democratic National
Convention. And we - the local, state, and federal government -
want to make sure that we are as prepared as possible to thwart
terrorists and protect the convention.
This morning, I received a briefing at the security
operations center and toured the Convention's main venue - the Fleet
Center - to see first hand the immense resources and meticulous
preparations that have been put in place to ensure the safety of
the citizens of Boston and well-being of all convention participants.
For more than a year, the Department of Homeland Security's
Secret Service -- in full coordination and cooperation with our
partners at the federal, state, and local level -- has led the design
and implementation of all security planning, conducted comprehensive
security assessments of all convention venues, and coordinated multiple
interagency training exercises to fine tune these security procedures.
Additionally, the Coast Guard, the Transportation
Security Administration, FEMA and other Homeland Security component
agencies have been fully engaged in these security efforts.
Of course due to the sensitive nature of security
operations, many of the security details must remain classified.
However I can tell you that, we will have patrols
in the harbor and surrounding waters providing blanket security
coverage that will trap any terrorists attempting to swim to shore
or smuggle weaponry over these waterways.
We will have mobile command vehicles positioned at
strategic locations to coordinate communications across multiple
law enforcement agencies to ensure that any vital tips or pieces
of information do not slip through the cracks.
We will have 24/7 surveillance of key convention facilities,
as well as portable x-ray equipment to examine packages, as well
as commercial vehicles and delivery trucks, entering these areas.
We will deploy trained homeland security personnel
to augment the work of local law enforcement, we will utilize record
numbers of canine bomb teams, we will increase security at hotels
to protect both the building and ventilation systems, and we will
monitor and protect key transportation systems as well.
In addition to all of the technology and additional
security professionals, the vigilance of local law enforcement,
fire personnel, private businesses, hospital workers, state and
local government officials, and Boston citizens is critical.
Convention attendees and residents of this great city
have an integral role to play in the security of this important
democratic symbol. The tragedy in Madrid reminds us how much your
vigilance matters. If you see suspicious items or activities, report
them to the authorities immediately.
Our goal is that any attempt on the part of al-Qaeda
to attack us will be repelled by multiple layers of security.
Our work is not yet done. But based on what I've seen
and heard today, I can tell you that the security plans are strong.
Federal, state, and local officials are working hard and working
together around the clock to ensure that nothing is left to chance.
Our very system of government is rooted in the sovereign
principle of democratic authority bestowed by the people. And both
convention participants and Bostonians are resolved to go forward
with an event that so deeply reflects that ideal.
Democracy is the heart of our national character.
And so, we will not give way to the enemies who would strike at
the core of who we are. Instead, we will continue to work together
-- determined to uphold and defend the freedoms and blessings of
this great nation.
Thank you.
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