For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano today visited Oklahoma City to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing and deliver remarks about the Department’s efforts to protect against evolving threats of terrorism and build resilient communities as part of the Oklahoma City National Memorial Annual Remembrance Ceremony. Her prepared remarks are available here.
Secretary Napolitano also toured the Oklahoma City National Memorial Museum with Oklahoma City Police Chief Bill Citty and Fire Chief Keith Bryant—both of whom responded to the bombing 15 years ago—and Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry.
In addition, Secretary Napolitano met with state and local first responders to discuss the importance of close coordination among all levels of government to support frontline emergency response and management efforts. She stressed her commitment to sharing information with state, local and tribal law enforcement to ensure those charged with protecting America’s communities against violence have access to the information they need about evolving threats of terrorism and violent extremism.
Secretary Napolitano also participated in a panel discussion about the media’s role in informing the public about terrorism—during which she highlighted how media coverage of terrorist acts has continually transformed since she helped lead the domestic terrorism investigation into the Oklahoma City bombing as U.S. Attorney for Arizona. She also emphasized her continued commitment as Secretary of Homeland Security to ensuring the public receives timely and accurate information during an incident while maintaining the security of sensitive data.
For more information, visit www.dhs.gov.
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