President Trump called for the Department of Homeland Security to “step up” its “extreme vetting program” after the terror attack in New York City Tuesday. “I have just ordered Homeland Security to step up our already Extreme Vetting Program,” he tweeted. “Being politically correct is fine, but not for this!”
Shortly after the terrorist rammed a truck through a bike path, killing at least eight people and injuring 11 others, Trump responded by saying it “looks like another attack by a very sick and deranged person. Law enforcement is following this closely. NOT IN THE U.S.A.!” The suspect, 29-year-old Sayfullo Saipov, was shot by police and taken into custody. He is an Uzbekistan native and was an Uber driver in the city. “My thoughts, condolences and prayers to the victims and families of the New York City terrorist attack,” Trump later tweeted. “God and your country are with you!”
The president later said the we can’t defeat ISIS abroad only to have them wreak havoc in the U.S. “We must not allow ISIS to return, or enter, our country after defeating them in the Middle East and elsewhere,” Trump said. “Enough!”
DHS said this method of terrorism is gaining popularity around the world. “We have recently seen attacks like this one throughout the world,” the department said in a news release. “DHS and its law enforcement partners remain vigilant and committed to safeguarding the American people.”
Tuesday’s terror attack using a vehicle has been common in Europe, with at least nine such attacks since April 2016, Fox News reports.
