Norton Grateful for Quick Foil of Suicide Bomber at Capitol

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) released the following statement on the arrest by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Capitol Police of a man who reportedly attempted to carry out a suicide attack on the Capitol:

"The takedown of a terrorist who apparently planned a suicide bombing at the Capitol marks an important turning point in American intelligence since 9/11 that will be appreciated by the residents of the nation's capital. Today's arrest is the hallmark of first-rate professional intelligence. As shocking as the idea of a suicide bombing here is, security and intelligence agencies were clearly prepared and on the case. We have come a long way since the haphazard security response after 9/11 to today, when the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Capitol Police and others worked perfectly in concert to not only stop a possible attack, but to work undercover for an extended period of time to learn much that might even stop future attacks. Along with many others, particularly residents of the District, I am grateful to the FBI and Capitol Police for their excellent work today."

Published February 17, 2012