- Jul 1, 2018
- 1,606
Across all televisions and live billboards, a live broadcast of Bill Clinton in the Oval Office appeared. Sound would also be broadcast over radio. He began speaking.
"My fellow Americans,
Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack, in the form of a deliberate and deadly terrorist act. The victims were and currently still are, federal workers, first responders, businessmen & women, moms & dads, friends & neighbours. Americans.
My heart goes out to the people of New York City. Today our nation joins with you in grief. We mourn with you. We share your hope against hope that some may still survive. We thank all those who have worked so heroically to save lives. This terrible sin took the lives of our American family, innocent children in the street, parents just trying to have a nice day out as a family. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. Today, our nation saw evil -- the very worst of human nature -- and we responded with the best of America. With the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to help in any way they could." Clinton paused for a moment, before continuing.
"Immediately following the attack, I implemented our government's emergency response plans. Our military is powerful, and it's prepared. Our emergency teams are working in New York City to help with local rescue efforts. Our first priority is to get help to those who have been injured, and to take every precaution to protect our citizens at home and around the world from further attacks. The functions of our government continue without interruption. The search is underway for those who were behind this evil act. I have directed the full resources of our intelligence and law enforcement communities to find those responsible and to bring them to justice. We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them. I appreciate so very much the members of Congress who have joined me in strongly condemning these attacks. America and our friends and allies join with all those who want peace and security in the world, and we stand together to win the war against terrorism. Tonight, I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted by a Power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages in Psalm 23:
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil for you are with me.
This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our resolve for justice and peace. America has stood down enemies before, and we will do so this time. None of us will ever forget this day, yet we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world.
Thank you. Good night. And God bless America."