Barack Obama said on Wednesday, “right now, we know of no specific and credible intelligence indicating a plot on the homeland” over the Thanksgiving holiday.
Speaking alongside Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, FBI Director James Comey and Attorney General Loretta Lynch, Obama explained, “in the event of a specific credible threat, the public will be informed.”
“Now, right now, we know of no specific and credible intelligence indicating a plot on the homeland. And that is based on the latest information that I just received in the Situation Room,” Obama explained. “It is similar to the information — briefing that I received on Saturday before I left on my trip last week.”
“So as Americans are traveling this weekend to be with their loved ones,” Obama said, adding that he wants “them to know that the counter terrorism, intelligence, homeland security and law enforcement professionals at every level are working overtime, and they are continually monitoring threats at home and abroad, continually evaluating our security posture. They are constantly working to protect all of us. Their work has prevented attacks. And their efforts have saved lives. They serve every hour every day for the sake of our security. They did so before Paris, and they do so now without fanfare or credit and without a break for the holidays.”
“So the bottom line is this, I want the American people to know that entering the holidays that the combined resources of our military, our intelligence and our homeland security agencies are on the case,” Obama said. “They are vigilant, relentless and effective. In the event of a specific credible threat, the public will be informed.”
“We do think it is useful for people as they are going about their business to be vigilant. If you see something suspicious, say something. That’s always helpful. But otherwise, Americans should go about their usual Thanksgiving weekend activities. Spending time with family and friends and celebrating our blessings. And while the threat of terrorism is a troubling reality of our age, we are both equipped to prevent attacks and we are resistant in the face of those who would try to do us harm. And that is something that we can all be thankful for.”