Thanksgiving 2015: Obama Declares US Safe From Attacks
Thanksgiving 2015 is said to be the busiest since 2008 with an estimated 46.9 million Americans travelling to their hometown. In such a very busy event, President Barrack Obama assured that it is safe to travel as the country is safe from terrorist attacks.
"Right now, we know of no specific and credible intelligence indicating a plot on the homeland. We are taking every possible step to keep our homeland safe," Obama said in a formal statement in the White House among reporters in a report from CNBC.
The US President is accompanied by his FBI director and other top security officials a day before Thanksgiving, two weeks after the French capital was attacked allegedly by ISIS. The said attack is said to have reaped at least 130 lives.
Since then, Americans are said to be concerned about possible terrorist attacks in the country. The Reuters-Ipsos polls also show that most Americans think that terrorism is a serious problem that has to be addressed.
"I know that families have discussed their fears about the threat of terrorism around the dinner table, many for the first time since September 11th," Obama further said.
Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson supported Obama's statement as he was documented boarding an Amtrak train at Union Station in Washington, D.C.
"Basically, they are reinforcing existing security measures. It should be obvious to the public that there is a heightened presence in places like in Union Station here, at airports and other public gathering places. In general, we want to encourage people as the holiday season begins to travel, be with your families, celebrate the holidays, go to public events - and be vigilant and be aware," Johnson announced as mentioned in USA Today.
Meanwhile, Obama and the US first family spends time with the homeless population and veterans at Friendship Place Homeless Center in Washington while they serve them their Thanksgiving dinner, according to CNN.
Hours before the occasion, he announced how homeless veterans are on one of his priorities.
"It's not only of the spirit of giving during this holiday season, but our national obligation to make sure all those who serve and sacrifice for our country have a place to call home," he said.
