Congressman Chris Smith’s Statement on Terror Attacks, Arrest

Congressman Chris Smith and Middletown Mayor Gerry Scharfenberger at 9-11 Memorial

Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04) today commended the work of law enforcement in making a speedy arrest of a terrorist suspect thought to be connected to bombing attacks against targets in New Jersey and New York this past weekend.

“The law enforcement response to the initial pipe bomb attack in Ocean County, NJ at a Marine Corps charity race in Seaside Park and the subsequent attacks in New York and North Jersey, has been commendable in its rapid execution,” Smith said. “The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, State and local police, and especially the arresting officers of the Linden, N.J. Police Department, have performed exemplary in the face of a great danger to the public. I hope the injured officers recover quickly, and that any and all of those responsible for these cowardly attacks will be held to account and face justice.

“No stone must be left unturned in the ongoing investigation,” Smith said. “Additionally, all residents should be ever-vigilant watching for terror threats. It appears that authorities were aided by citizens who contacted local police with information about suspicious activities or possible threats.”