WASHINGTON – Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley late this afternoon received a briefing by FBI officials about the state of the investigation of the terrorist attacks in New York City, New Jersey and Minnesota. In addition, Grassley, along with Senator Jeff Sessions, is requesting the full immigration and criminal histories of the two men suspected in the violent attacks.
“I appreciate the diligence of the law enforcement community in quickly identifying and apprehending the suspect in the New York and New Jersey attacks, as well as the action taken by an off-duty police officer to stop the assailant in Minnesota. While there doesn’t appear to be any connection between what happened in these two areas of the country, it’s a reminder for all Americans to stay vigilant as we face constant threats against our freedoms. In the coming days, I hope to learn more about how the suspect in the New York and New Jersey attacks initially came to the United States and his repeated trips to the Greater Middle East. These clues and pieces of information should provide valuable insight into what led to these attacks, and may help law enforcement in its future efforts to stop terrorists from trying to wreak havoc on our country,” Grassley said.
Ahmad Khan Rahami, a naturalized citizen who was born in Afghanistan, was arrested today and is suspected of involvement with the bombing incidents in Seaside Park, N.J. and New York City Saturday, as well as with several explosives recovered near a train station in Elizabeth, N.J., yesterday. Dahir A. Adan, reportedly of Somalia, was killed after allegedly stabbing nine people at a mall in St. Cloud, Minn.
In the letter to Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, Grassley and Sessions are requesting descriptions of both individuals’ immigration histories, including their alien files, working files and other related reports or notifications.
A copy of the Grassley-Sessions letter is available HERE.
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