Rep. Pitts praises arrest of missile plot suspects, warns of “very real” threat

Washington—Congressman Joe Pitts (R, PA-16), Founder and Co-Chair of the Electronic Warfare Working Group, today praised federal, state, and local authorities in Albany, NY involved in uncovering a plot to launder the proceeds from the sale of shoulder-fired missiles. 

“As we track down and disrupt terrorist networks abroad,” said Congressman Pitts, “we can’t forget the enemy within.  Today’s arrest is a reminder that terrorists operate within our borders. They continue to seek ways to plot destruction and evade detection.  Government officials at every level of this investigation should be praised for their tireless efforts to keep us safe.”

According to law enforcement officials, the two men arrested have ties to Ansar al-Islam, a group linked to al-Qaeda.  They have been charged with providing support to terrorism by assisting someone posing as a terrorist purchase a shoulder-fired missile.  The buyer was actually an undercover agent working for the government.  The two men were involved in the money laundering aspect of the plot.

“This threat is very real.  Today’s arrest is proof that terrorists are actively seeking these missiles and other weapons to attack and kill innocent people,” said Congressman Pitts.

Last month, Congressman Pitts supported a bill, which passed the House, to call on the government to develop a comprehensive plan to combat the proliferation of shoulder-fired missiles and the threat they pose specifically to commercial airliners.

On June 22, 2004, he addressed an electronic warfare conference on this threat, saying, “The bottom line is this: We must have a multi-layered response – a menu of options – to counter this threat.  There is no silver bullet. If we go for the quick solution and throw money at the problem, we play into the enemy’s hand.  We must not be careless.”

To read his remarks in their entirety or for more information on this issue visit the Electronic Warfare Working Group’s website: http://www.house.gov/pitts/ew.htm.

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