Obama pledges review of airline security, says people behind Christmas Day attack will be held accountable
This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.
President Obama today sought to reassure the nation that the airline system remains safe after a failed weekend attack on a jetliner and said the United States will pursue those responsible for the attempt.
‘We will not rest until we find all who are involved and hold them accountable,’ Obama said in his comments from Hawaii, where he is vacationing with his family.
In his first public comments, Obama said his administration was pursuing investigations into how Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab managed to smuggle an explosive device onto a flight from Amsterdam to Detroit. Passengers subdued the suspect and the flight landed safely on Christmas Day.
The administration is also investigating how its watch lists work in the wake of the incident.
Abdulmutallab’s father had told authorities of his son’s increased radicalism, and the son was placed on a watch list, but not on the no-fly list. No one lifted Abdulmutallab’s visa, needed to fly to the United States.
‘This was a serious reminder on the dangers that we face and the nature of those who threaten our homeland,” Obama said. He went on to reassure the American public about air travel.
“The American people should be assured that we are doing everything in our power to keep you and your family safe and secure during this busy holiday season,” Obama said.
The president said screening and security has been enhanced for all flights international and domestic, in addition to the reviews. He also said he had consulted with his national security team.
On Iran, Obama condemned the Iran government’s “unjustified use” of violence to quash demonstrations over the weekend. At least eight deaths have been reported as well as the arrest of dissidents.
-- Michael Muskal
