Statement of Governor Kaine on Terrorism Threat Assessment Report
Statement
Statement of Governor Kaine on Terrorism Threat Assessment Report
Governor Timothy M. Kaine issued the following statement today on the Fusion Center's recent Threat Assessment Report suggesting the heightened possibility of a connection between extremist groups and historically black or Christian universities:
"The Commonwealth is proud of its world-class institutions of higher learning. Virginia is especially proud to be home to a number of faith-based and historically black colleges and universities.
"The Virginia Fusion Center, which is responsible for integrating threat information from public and private sector agencies to prevent terrorists' attacks, issued a report that could be read to suggest a connection between terror or extremist groups and these universities. This report is required by law and was illegally distributed to the public. However, I find the depictions in the report misleading and believe it improperly implicates these fine academic institutions.
"Based on our review of the facts thus far, we see no evidence to suggest that the universities referred to in the assessment pose any particular risk to public safety. Absent specific evidence suggesting such a risk, it is improper to single out these institutions for special mention even with the caveats contained in the report.
"I have initiated an investigation into the methodologies and process leading to the Fusion Center's Threat Assessment Reportand I expect these concerns to be resolved in the near future.
"The quest to keep our families safe should and will remain a top priority for the Commonwealth. At the same time, Virginia must stay committed to the accurate assessment and application of real and perceived threats to public safety."
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