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FBI Designates Chattanooga Shootings As Terrorism

December 16, 2015

WASHINGTON−FBI Director, James Comey, announced today that the July 16th shootings at two military sites in Chattanooga were inspired by a foreign terrorist organization. Congressman Fleischmann and Homeland Security Committee Chairman, Michael McCaul (TX-10), released the following statements regarding the terrorism designation.

“It has been five months, to the day, since our community was struck by this horrendous attack and I am thankful the FBI has finally recognized it as terrorism,” Fleischmann said. “It is my sincere hope that with this designation the victims will finally be awarded the Purple Hearts they so justly deserve. The threat of terrorism is just as real today as it was on July 16th and we must continue to do all we can to remain vigilant and keep our nation safe.”

"The FBI's announcement confirms what many of us have long suspected: the Chattanooga shooter was an Islamist terrorist, and our city streets have become the front lines in this war. What happened in Chattanooga can unfortunately happen anytime, anyplace. We face an unprecedented homegrown terror threat,” said Chairman McCaul. “However, I'm glad to see the this week's omnibus spending bill includes needed increases in funding for the FBI and DHS to prioritize and ramp up their domestic counterterrorism efforts to protect Americans."