Napolitano Backtracks; Now Says System Didn’t Work

Security of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano is backtracking on remarks she made over the weekend regarding the attempted bombing of Northwest Airline flight 253:

Napolitano, appearing Monday on NBC’s “Today Show,” explained comments she made Sunday regarding an incident in which a Nigerian man allegedly ignited an incendiary device aboard a U.S. jetliner on Christmas Day were “taken out of context.”

During a Sunday appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Napolitano said “What we are focused on is making sure that the air environment remains safe, that people are confident when they travel. And one thing I’d like to point out is that the system worked.”

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Out of context??? Nonsense, lets examine what she said on Sunday:

What we are focused on is making sure that the air environment remains safe, that people are confident when they travel. And one thing I’d like to point out is that the system worked. Everybody played an important role here. The passengers and crew of the flight took appropriate action.

Secretary Napolitano wasn’t just talking just about other flights, she was also talking about Northwest 253… She may have misspoken, but she was most definitely not taken out of context. Bottom line, DHS’s incident response systems may have worked properly, but their passenger screening measures failed miserably in this case.

Related

• Warning on Detroit suspect didn’t rise above the ‘noise’ – Washington Post
• U.S. Failed to Catch Suspect’s Active Visa – CBS News
• Al-Qaida in Yemen claims attack on US airliner – Examiner.com

Janet Napolitano: “The System Worked”

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again now: Janet Napolitano is an idiot who is completely unqualified for the position she holds. If anyone doubts the accuracy of that statement, her appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union” today should remove any doubt:

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said Sunday that the thwarting of the attempt to blow up an Amsterdam-Detroit airline flight Christmas Day demonstrated that “the system worked.”

Asked by CNN’s Candy Crowley on “State of the Union” how that could be possible when the young Nigerian who has been charged with trying to set off the bomb was able to smuggle explosive liquid onto the jet, Napolitano responded: “We’re asking the same questions.”

With all due respect Madam Secretary, the system failed miserably… a person who was on a terrorist watch list got on to an airplane with an explosive device sewn into his underwear. If it wasn’t for a failed detonator and the quick actions of passengers things would have turned out much differently.

Bottom line Madam Secretary we got lucky this time, the bad guys are going to try again, and again, and again and sooner or later they’re going to get lucky. The sad truth is our screening procedures place to much emphasis on trying to find weapons and not enough on trying to identify terrorists. Until we’re willing to place as much emphasis on preventing terrorists from boarding flights as we are on keeping weapons off we’re going to remain vulnerable.

Related

• Wealthy, quiet, unassuming: the Christmas Day bomb suspect – The Independent
• Missed Warning Signs – Gerald Posner, The Daily Beast
• Peter King rebukes Napolitano – Politico
• Video: Napolitano On Failed Terror Attempt: “The System Worked” – Real Clear Politics
• Poll: “The system worked”? – Hot Air
• Clown alert: Janet Napolitano says the “system worked” – Michelle Malkin

Christmas Day Terror: Bomb Attempt on U.S.-Bound Flight

From the Wall Street Journal:

A passenger on a Detroit-bound Northwest Airlines flight tried Friday to detonate an explosive device strapped to his leg and later told investigators he had affiliations with al Qaeda and was trying to blow up the plane, according to a senior U.S. official.

“We believe this was an attempted act of terrorism,” said a White House official.

The suspect told investigators he was given the device by al Qaeda operatives in Yemen, along with detonation instructions, the official said. “This guy claims he is tied to al Qaeda, specifically in Yemen,” the official said. “He claims he was on orders from al Qaeda in Yemen. Who knows if that’s true?”

Rep. Peter King (R., N.Y.) identified the man as a 23-year-old Nigerian named Abdul Mudallad. Officials said they believed the man boarded a KLM flight in Lagos, Nigeria, and changed planes in Amsterdam, although that couldn’t immediately be confirmed. The suspect’s name didn’t appear on any terrorist watch lists maintained by U.S. authorities, Mr. King said, but it turned up “hot” in other terrorism-related databases maintained by intelligence officials.

On Saturday morning, Britain’s Metropolitan Police Service was searching a “number” of properties in central London that may be related to the attempted bombing, according to a spokeswoman. “We are liasing with U.S. authorities and are conducting enquiries in conjunction with them,” she said, declining to give further details.

First how did he get the device on to the plane? I know the Transportation Security Administration has warned about Nigeria’s porous airport security in the past, so one would assume the suspect would have gone through some sort of additional screening in Amsterdam?

Second let’s resist the urge to somehow try and blame this on Pres. Obama and/or his administrations policies. The simple truth is there going to be another terrorist attack in this country; it’s inevitable. The bad guys only have to get lucky once, to stop them we have to be good every single day.

Update (11:25 a.m.): Via Hot Air, a Nigerian newspaper is reporting that the suspected bomber’s father reported him to authorities after his son’s jihadist rhetoric started to worry him:

The older Mutallab, as at the time of filing this report, had just left his Katsina hometown for Abuja to speak with security agencies, family sources say. According to the family members, Mutallab has been uncomfortable with the boy’s extreme religious views and had six months ago reported his activities to United States’ Embassy, Abuja and Nigerian security agencies.

The older Mutallab was said to be devastated on hearing the news of Abdul Farouk’s attempted bombing and arrest. A source close to him said he was surprised that after his reports to the US authorities, the young man was allowed to travel to the United States.

~~~

At the secondary school, he was known for preaching about Islam to his school mates and he was popularly called “Alfa”, a local coinage for Islamic scholar. After his secondary school, the suspect went to University College London to study engineering and later relocated to Egypt, and then Dubai. While in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, he declared to his family members that he did not want to have anything to do with any of them again.

Update (1:05 p.m.): Fox News is reporting that U.S. officials have known for two years that Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab, the suspect in the attempted Northwest Airlines bombing could have terrorist ties:

An official briefed on the foiled attack on a Detroit airliner says the U.S. has known for at least two years that the suspect could have terrorist ties.

The official tells The Associated Press that the suspect, Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab, has been on a list that includes people with known or suspected contact or ties to a terrorist or terrorist organization.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is ongoing.

Multiple law enforcement officials identified Mutallab as a Nigerian national who was reportedly an engineering student at London’s University College.

Update (4:50 p.m.): Reuters reports that Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, a Nigerian national, has been charged with attempting to blow Northwest Airlines flight 253. A preliminary analysis by the FBI shows that he tried to ignite pentaerythritol (PETN) which had been attached to his body.

Related

• Nigerian arrested in failed plane attack claims links to al-Qaeda – Washington Post
• Failed plane attack thought to be terror act – Washington Times
• King: Airline bombing suspect had ’significant terrorist connections’ – The Hill
• Detroit terror attack: Scotland Yard probes ‘British student airline bomber’ – Telegraph
• Passenger details fight to stop alleged terrorist – NYPOST.com

Sgt. Kimberly Munley: Hero

The word hero gets tossed around a lot these day but Sgt. Kimberly Munley, the civilian police officer who ended the Fort Hood gunman’s violent rampage has certainly earned the title:

The hero cop who ended the bloody rampage at Fort Hood by pumping four bullets into the crazed gunman even though she was wounded is known for her toughness, friends say.

Before relocating to Texas, civilian police Sgt. Kimberly Munley spent about five years as a cop in North Carolina where she forged a reputation as a no-nonsense officer.

“I’d like to say I’m surprised, but I’m really not,” said close friend Drew Peterson, 27.

“She was born and bred to be a police officer. If you were ever to be in a fight, she’d be the first person to stand up next to you and back you up. She’s a tough cookie.”

Munley’s toughness and grace under pressure were on display Thursday when she and her partner responded within three minutes of reported gunfire, said Army Lt. Gen. Bob Cone.

Munley, who had been trained in active-response tactics, rushed into the building and confronted the shooter as he was turning a corner, Cone said.

“It was an amazing and an aggressive performance by this police officer,” Cone said.

Munley was only a few feet from Army psychiatrist Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan when she opened fire.

Sgt. Munley was wounded in the exchange of gunfire and is reported to be stable condition. If it wasn’t for her bold and decisive actions there’s no telling how many more soldiers that murderous lunatic would have killed.

Bravo Zulu Sergeant, you and your family are in our thoughts and prays. As is everyone affected by yesterday’s events. May God Bless you all.

Breaking: Fort Hood Gunman Alive, in Custody

From Fox News:

A military doctor who reportedly feared an impending war deployment is in custody as the sole suspect in a shooting rampage at the Army’s Fort Hood that left 12 dead and 31 wounded, an Army official said Thursday night.

The news that the suspect, Major Nidal Malik Hasan, was alive and in stable condition, came as a sudden reversal of early reports that the gunman was among the dead.

Two other soldiers who were taken into custody as possible suspects were released Lt. Gen. Bob Cone told reporters Thursday evening.

A female first responder who shot at Hasan who was previously thought to be dead, was also alive.

The Fox News report goes on to say that Hasan first came to the attention of Federal Officials were apparently still trying to determine if he was the author of those posts and an official investigation had not been opened.

According the Washington Post Hasan was a devout Muslim who attended service regularly:

Hasan attended the Muslim Community Center in Silver Spring and was “very devout,” according to Faizul Khan, a former imam at the center. Khan said Hasan attended prayers at least once a day, seven days a week, often in his Army fatigues.

Khan also said Hasan applied to an annual matrimonial seminar that matches Muslims looking for spouses. “I don’t think he ever had a match, because he had too many conditions,” Khan said.

“We never got into details of worldly affairs or politics,” the former imam said of his conversations with Hasan. “Mostly religious questions. But there was nothing extremist in his questions. He never showed any frustration. . . . He never showed any . . . wish for vengeance on anybody.”

I’m not going to speculate on Hasan’s possible motives for a variety of reasons… Suffices to say I’m not buying the media’s Post Traumatic Stress Disorder spin. At first blush the circumstantial evidence appears to in very disturbing direction, and it raises a number of questions that need to be answered, but I don’t think it’s appropriate for us to start jumping to conclusions about Hasan’s motives based on incomplete or inaccurate information. Lets give investigators time do their jobs, I’m sure they’re have answers to all our questions in do course.

Related

• Gunman kills 12 in shooting rampage at Fort Hood base – Reuters
• Local psychiatrist ID’d as Fort Hood gunman worked at Walter Reed – Washington Examiner
• Fort Hood: The largest “Terror act” since 9/11 – Counter terrorism Blog

Previous

• Breaking: 12 Dead, 31 Wounded in Shooting at Fort Hood

Breaking: New York Residences Raided in Terrorism Probe

Not a lot of details yet but the Associated Press is reporting that law enforcement agents have conducted raids related to a terrorism investigation in New York City:

Law enforcement agents raided residences in New York City on Monday as part of a terrorism investigation, and began briefing Congress about the probe.

New York Police Department spokesman Paul Browne confirmed that searches were conducted in the borough of Queens by agents of a joint terrorism task force. He would not discuss the matter further.

Separately, federal authorities started briefing a series of senior lawmakers in Congress about the case.

CBSNews adds a few additional details but information is still sketch at this point.

WCBS TV’s John Slattery reports the federal search warrant spelled out all manner of possible bomb-making components, including powders, gels, TNT, and fuses.

Building resident Assad Niazi told WCBS, “I don’t know [the other residents]. They are roommates – they go to work in the morning, and at night they come back.”

Updates as new details emerge.

Update (8:45 p.m.): Reuters is reporting that the NYPD and FBI raided at least apartments in Queens early this morning one of which was shared by five Afghan men:

New York City police and the FBI raided homes in the borough of Queens early on Monday as part of an investigation into suspected terrorism, focusing on one man who has been under surveillance, officials said.

Authorities searched at least two apartments including one shared by five Afghan men, taking some of them in for questioning, said one man who was questioned.

Members of U.S. Congress briefed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation said there was no imminent danger.

“There was nothing imminent, and they are very good now at tracking potentially dangerous actions and this was preventive,” said Charles Schumer, a U.S. Senator from New York who was among those briefed by FBI officials.

A man who identified himself as Amanullah Akbar, a 30-year-old taxi driver, said the FBI raided the apartment he shares with four other Afghan men at 2:30 a.m. (1630 GMT)

He was brought in for questioning and released and said he had no idea why his home was targeted, adding that he believed one of his roommates was arrested.

According to news reports the focus appears to be on one man who was being watched, authorities grew concerned as he met with people in Queens over the weekend and applied for search warrants late yesterday… The agents were apparently searching for all manner of possible bomb-making components, including powders, gels, TNT, and fuses.

Update II (9:10 p.m.): The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the individual at the center of the investigation may have been trying to obtain materials that could have been used in making a chemical, biological or radiological device:

Authorities executed search warrants and seized evidence early Monday morning at locations in the Queens borough of New York City as part of a terrorism investigation, according to a senior official familiar with the case.

This person said some counterterrorism officials were concerned that the individual at the center of the investigation may have had access to, or an interest in acquiring, materials that could be used for a chemical, biological or radiological device. One aspect of the probe involves whether the person had some contact or connections with suspicious individuals overseas, the official said. He stressed that the investigation was still at its earliest stages.

No wonder they were briefing Congress.

Gaffestastic: Napolitano Strikes Again

The hits just keep coming… This time it’s Canadians who are wondering how an idiot like Janet Napolitano got the job of Homeland Security Secretary:

A diplomatic skirmish has broken out over suggestions by Janet Napolitano, the U. S. homeland security secretary, that terrorists have routinely entered the United States through Canada, including the perpetrators of the Sept. 11 attacks.

Napolitano’s remarks in a CBC interview earlier this week angered Canadian parliamentarians, who were in Washington on Tuesday to participate in a border conference attended by both the homeland security secretary and Ambassador Michael Wilson.

As the keynote speaker at the Border Trade Alliance meeting, Wilson said he was “frustrated” that the 9-11 myth has resurfaced once again, eight years after the terrorist attacks.

“Unfortunately, misconceptions arise on something as fundamental as where the 9-11 terrorists came from,” Wilson said.

“As the 9-11 commission reported in 2004, all of the 9-11 terrorists arrived in the United States from outside North America. They flew to major U. S. airports. They entered the U. S. with documents issued by the United States government and no 9-11 terrorists came from Canada.”

But Wilson later added that Napolitano’s handlers had reassured the Canadian Embassy that she simply misunderstood a question posed to her during the interview.

“Her comment from her people is that she misunderstood,” Wilson told a throng of Canadian media who descended upon the conference to hear what he had to say about the controversy.

“We’ve been in touch with her office a few times this morning and there’s no question in my mind she does not believe any terrorists came from Canada into the United States.”

Wilson also said he planned to sit down with Napolitano soon to discuss the issue face-to-face.

Can someone please explain to me how someone this incompetent got a job this important?

To our friends and allies in Canada, I’m Sorry. We’re all not as ill-informed as Sec. Napolitano we know the 9/11 hijackers entered this country directly from overseas not through Canada. We know that it was lax policing at our overseas consulates that opened the door to to them… and that is was poor interior enforcement in this country that enabled their stay.

Related

• Interview with U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano – CBC
• U.S. security boss clarifies comments about border – CTV
• The border for dummies – The National Post
• Janet Napolitano screws up again – Michelle Malkin