I have just completed a meeting with my national security team, and we have received
the latest intelligence updates.
The deliberate and deadly attacks which were
carried out yesterday against our country were more than acts of terror. They
were acts of war. This will require our country to unite in steadfast determination
and resolve. Freedom and democracy are under attack.
The American people need
to know that we're facing a different enemy than we have ever faced. This enemy
hides in shadows, and has no regard for human life. This is an enemy who preys
on innocent and unsuspecting people, then runs for cover. But it won't be able
to run for cover forever. This is an enemy that tries to hide. But it won't be
able to hide forever. This is an enemy that thinks its harbors are safe. But they
won't be safe forever.
This enemy attacked not just our people, but all freedom-loving
people everywhere in the world. The United States of America will use all our
resources to conquer this enemy. We will rally the world. We will be patient,
we will be focused, and we will be steadfast in our determination.
This battle
will take time and resolve. But make no mistake about it: we will win.
The federal
government and all our agencies are conducting business. But it is not business
as usual. We are operating on a heightened security alert. America is going forward,
and as we do so, we must remain keenly aware of the threats to our country. Those
in authority should take appropriate precautions to protect our citizens.
But we will not allow this enemy to win the war by changing our way of life
or restricting our freedoms. This morning, I am sending to Congress a request
for emergency funding authority, so that we are prepared to spend whatever it
takes to rescue victims, to help the citizens of New York City and Washington,
D.C. respond to this tragedy, and to protect our national security.
I want
to thank the members of Congress for their unity and support. America is united.
The freedom-loving nations of the world stand by our side. This will be a monumental
struggle of good versus evil. But good will prevail.
Thank you very much.