Local Reaction

Attacks abroad raise alert at home

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Following last week’s terrorist attacks in Paris, which left more than 120 people dead and hundreds more injured, U.S. Rep. Peter King says it’s time for the nation to become even more aggressive in its fight against terrorism.

King, the longtime Seaford resident and 12-term congressman, is a member of the House Homeland Security Committee and chairman of the Subcommittee on Counterterrorism and Intelligence, and frequently appears as a guest on national news shows to talk about the nation’s safety and security.

“It was tragic, which is obvious,” he said of the attacks. “What is very concerning is how well coordinated it was.” King said it is troubling that terrorists were able to get heavy-duty guns and explosives and plan the attack undetected in a country with good intelligence.

“We definitely have to be on our guard,” King added. “The United States is more of a target than France, and the New York region is the No. 1 target in the United States.”

King spoke of France’s reaction after the attacks, launching massive air strikes on Islamic State targets in Syria. The congressman said those targets should have been taken out 14 months ago, when the U.S. began its strikes. A more sustained and aggressive approach is needed overseas, King said, with more troops on the ground to gather intelligence.

He also said it is time to put political correctness aside and strongly monitor groups that produce terrorists. Additionally, King said that while the U.S. has a history of being a welcoming country, it should not be taking in any Syrian refugees. “Our job is to protect the people,” he said.

  Nassau County Executive Mangano also suggested that the U.S. should close its borders to Syrian refugees and “redirect resources” to vet those who have already arrived.

King said that terrorism should be the focus of the presidential campaign, and the public should pressure the candidates, as well as their existing representatives, to explain how they think terrorism should be combated.

Nassau County officials on Monday discussed efforts the Police Department is taking in the wake of the attacks. Acting Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter said the department is on a heightened state of alert. He noted that officers undergo training throughout the year for active-shooter and worst-case scenarios.

“Let me emphasize that at the present time, there are no credible threats, but it is important to prepare for the worst and pray for the best,” he said. “We’re receiving regular alerts in real time, much in the way that New York City does.”

Krumpter said that there have been added patrols at local malls, and that the Bureau of Special Operations and the Criminal Intelligence Rapid Response Team have been patrolling locations where the public gathers.

The Seaford School District will take a “wait and see” approach with its planned trip to France and Spain in a year and a half, according to Superintendent Brian Conboy. Most of the France portion of the trip would take place in Paris.

Last month, the Board of Education approved the trip for junior and senior foreign-language students, scheduling it for April 13-22, 2017. Conboy said that in light of what has happened, the foreign-language teachers, high school and district administrators and board members will review the viability of the trip.

“We’re not ready to cancel it now,” Conboy said, “but we will need to take a hard look if the world situation continues to be treacherous.”

Conboy noted that after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, the district did not allow field trips to New York City for a couple of years. As for the trip abroad, he said that it would be a shame to cancel it, because the students are looking forward to it, but the decision will ultimately come down to safety considerations.

King’s advice to Americans looking to travel to Paris is that they should hold off on any trips right now. Until the situation there is under control, he said, it is not the time to be going there, at least for several weeks.