President Barack Obama addressed the country on Dec. 17 from the National Counterterrorism Center in McLean, Virginia, assuring Americans that experts are diligently watching for signs of terrorist activity.
He spoke after a meeting that included Vice President Joe Biden, Director of National Intelligence Jim Clapper, Attorney General Loretta Lynch and Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson.
While there are no credible reports predicting an attack on the homeland, Obama pointed out that lone assailants and small groups, such as the couple in San Bernadino, are difficult to detect. He sympathized with Americans who remain nervous after the Paris and San Bernadino attacks, but reminded citizens that intelligence experts continue to work around the clock to protect the country.
Obama assured Americans that since 9-11, the U.S. has developed the best intelligence, counterterrorism, homeland security and police force in the world to thwart large terrorist attacks. The experts at the McLean center relentlessly pore over the latest information provided by intelligence and counterterrorism professionals in the battle against terrorism. Still, America's greatest strength is the strength and resilience of the people.
“When Americans stand together, nothing can beat us," Obama said. "Most of all we cannot give in to fear or change how we live our lives, because that is what terrorists want.”
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