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Payne, Jr. Statement on New Jersey, New York Bombings

September 19, 2016

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. (NJ-10), Ranking Member of the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Communications, issued the following statement in response to the weekend bombings that took place in Seaside Park, New Jersey and Manhattan:

“I strongly condemn the horrific bombings this weekend in New Jersey and New York. My thoughts are with the victims and their families, and I wish those wounded a quick recovery.

“I want to thank the brave law enforcement officers who quickly identified and apprehended a suspect in the bombings, especially those officers from my district in Linden, New Jersey who were injured in the shootout leading up to the suspect’s arrest. It’s times like these that we are most appreciative of our first responders.

“While we do not yet know the motivation behind these attacks, there is no justification for such violence. As the investigation into the suspect and motive proceeds, I ask that investigators examine how the suspect obtained the gun that was used in the shootout.

“The apprehension of the bombing suspect—which reportedly followed a sighting tip—is a reminder of how important it is for the public to be vigilant in reporting suspicious activity. We all have a responsibility to engage in public safety efforts.

“I have requested a comprehensive briefing by the federal agencies involved and will continue to closely monitor the situation. In the meantime, as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee that oversees homeland security grant funding, I will continue to work to ensure that first responders in the 10th Congressional District have the funding and resources they need to do their job safely and protect their communities.”