FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- December 5, 2001
Contact: Sylvia Warner (202) 225-4872
STATEMENT
Rogers: E. Lansing Police Should Assist FBI With InterviewsCongressman Urges Leaders to Reconsider Refusal to Participate
U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-MI, issued the following statement today following news reports that East Lansing, Michigan, city police will not cooperate with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in interviews of 37 men the U.S. Department of Justice hopes might have information about the September 11 terrorist attacks on America. Rogers, a former FBI special agent, called on the city council and police department to reconsider its decision.
"More than 6,000 innocent Americans lost their lives on September 11, and now thousands of American and Allied military personnel are deployed in dangerous places, putting themselves at risk in a war that came to us, we did not seek it out. These 37 men are not suspects. Interviewing them is an effort to determine if they may know something that could be helpful in protecting America and our citizens.
"We know that terrorists and terrorist organizations target members of Middle Eastern and Muslim communities for intimidation to force support. Other approaches include scams in which individuals are led to believe they are helping out a charitable effort. Mafia groups have used the same tactics in the U.S. for decades.
"After discussing the request for help with the Police Chief, I understand that the East Lansing City Council and Police Department have good intentions, but the results of this decision may be disastrous. I find that alarming and would urge the city leadership to reconsider. Cooperation is critical at a time when our nation is at risk."
So, it appears as though the liberal intelligentsia has made its way into more than one law enforcement organization.
Be sure you let your sons and daughters know that most - not all - cops are heroes.