STATEMENT
Beginning on Monday, October 22, a series of mail bombs began to be discovered in mailrooms across the country; they were intended for delivery to addresses affiliated with Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, CNN's Manhattan offices and other prominent Democratic political and public figures. As of the time of this writing, the scope, motive and perpetrators behind these unthinkable acts have yet to be determined. Although no injuries have been reported at this point, the apparent deadly intent of the perpetrators is cause for an extremely high level of vigilance by first responders across the nation.
The New York Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) is the lead investigative entity, and an exhaustive investigation is currently underway. This incident will undoubtedly be the focus of significant reporting by the news media and extensive information-sharing efforts as federal agencies attempt to keep the nation's state, local, tribal and territorial agencies informed about developing events, the investigation and any precautions that may be indicated.
It cannot be known at this time how many improvised explosive devices were or will be mailed, if any of these will detonate or if some new element will be employed as a part of this series of attacks. Therefore, fire departments across the country are encouraged to avail themselves of available official information-sharing channels and maintain real-time situational awareness about developing events. Fusion centers and online government information-sharing services, such as HSIN-Intel, are excellent sources of information.
The IAFC strongly condemns the acts and affirms our intent to work tirelessly with local and federal law-enforcement partners and other stakeholders in any response activities and in support of investigative activities during this crisis.
Anyone with information believed to be associated with these attacks is encouraged to contact the FBI by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI.
IAFC Terrorism & Homeland Security Committee
The Terrorism & Homeland Security Committee is composed of fire and emergency service leaders who provide guidance to the IAFC and policymakers about how to prepare for the next terrorist attack.