REP. SCOTT DESJARLAIS STATEMENT ON NEW YORK TERROR ATTACK

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Scott DesJarlais, M.D., released the following statement after a terror attack yesterday in New York City, the deadliest there since September 11, 2001:

“I’m very saddened when these attacks occur. My prayers are with the victims and their families. Emergency personnel again ran toward danger. Most shocking is that our country continues to ignore threats of Islamic terror. Federal authorities were aware of the attacker’s terrorist connections, before he rammed his truck into a peaceful crowd. The Orlando and San Bernardino killers also displayed clear warning signs. But open-borders zealots and radical judges deny Americans our most basic right to security. Our refugee and immigration systems must reflect that priority. Extreme vetting and travel bans are common-sense, constitutional measures to protect the United States. Frequent attacks must not become a way of life. ”

Several foreign tourists lost their lives along with American citizens in New York. Many more are injured. The attacker from Uzbekistan is a legal permanent resident of the United States, a beneficiary of the visa diversity program. In 2009, a refugee program admitted two Islamic terrorists, whom the U.S. military knew to be dangerous.

Rep. DesJarlais (TN-04) is a member of the House Armed Services Committee. He has voted for stronger visa procedures, temporary travel bans, and restrictions on refugees from terror-prone areas, as well as defense bills to destroy ISIS and al Qaeda abroad. 

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