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 Home > News & Policies > September 2001

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
September 12, 2001

Remarks by the President In Photo Opportunity with the National Security Team en Español
The Cabinet Room

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10:53 A.M. EDT

     THE  PRESIDENT:   I  have  just  completed  a meeting with my national security team, and we have received the latest intelligence updates.

     The  deliberate  and  deadly  attacks which were carried out yesterday against  our country were more than acts of terror.  They were acts of war. This  will  require  our  country  to  unite in steadfast determination and resolve.  Freedom and democracy are under attack.

Accompanied by Secretary of State Colin Powell, far left, Vice President Dick Cheney and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Hugh Shelton (far right), President George W. Bush talks with the press about the previous day's terrorist attacks during a cabinet meeting Sept. 12, 2001. White House photo by Tina Hager.      The  American  people need to know that we're facing a different enemy than  we  have  ever faced.  This enemy hides in shadows, and has no regard for  human  life.   This is an enemy who preys on innocent and unsuspecting people, runs for cover.   But  it  won't  be able to run for cover forever.   This  is  an  enemy that tries to hide.  But it won't be able to hide forever.  This is an enemy that thinks its harbors are safe.  But they won't be safe forever.

     This enemy attacked not just our people, but all freedom-loving people everywhere  in  the  world.   The United States of America will use all our resources  to  conquer  this  enemy.   We will rally the world.  We will be patient, we will be focused, and we will be steadfast in our determination.

     This battle will take time and resolve.  But make no mistake about it: we will win.

     The  federal  government and all our agencies are conducting business. But it is not business as usual.  We are operating on a heightened security alert.   America  is  going forward, and as we do so, we must remain keenly aware  of  the  threats  to  our  country.   Those in authority should take appropriate precautions to protect our citizens.

     But we will not allow this enemy to win the war by changing our way of life or restricting our freedoms.  This morning, I am sending to Congress a request  for  emergency funding authority, so that we are prepared to spend whatever  it takes to rescue victims, to help the citizens of New York City and  Washington,  D.C. respond to this tragedy, and to protect our national security.

     I  want  to thank the members of Congress for their unity and support. America  is  united.   The freedom-loving nations of the world stand by our side.   This  will  be a monumental struggle of good versus evil.  But good will prevail.

     Thank you very much.

                               END               10:56 A.M. EDT