Several officials are reacting to Friday’s report of the arrest of John T. Booker Jr., 20, of Topeka, who was allegedly attempting to use a weapon of mass destruction or explosives at Fort Riley. Formal statements follow:
Fort Riley:
“Today’s arrest at no time posed a danger to military personnel or to the public. This event does emphasize the continued and ongoing threat to our nation’s security and the need for all of us to remain vigilant. Our partnerships with the Department of Justice, FBI and other federal and state agencies are force multipliers and help us ensure the safety and security of all Soldiers and our Big Red One family—all those who live, work and play at Fort Riley.”
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Governor Sam Brownback:
“I appreciate the diligence of the FBI and members of the Joint Terrorism Task Force, including the Kansas Highway Patrol and Kansas Bureau of Investigation, for working together to successfully thwart this potential attack. The state has worked hard to enhance the collaborative efforts of local, state and federal partners in matters of homeland security and to protect Kansans.
“The investigation is ongoing and today’s arrest serves as a reminder that even here in America’s heartland we must remain vigilant against threats to our nation.”
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U.S. Senator Pat Roberts issued the following statement regarding the arrest in an attempted terrorist attack on Ft. Riley:
“I want to strongly commend the FBI and other agencies whose excellent work has averted a disaster. It is another example of why we Americans must be ever vigilant.”
