Good
afternoon.
Over the last 24 hours, I've had the opportunity
to meet with the key state and local leaders involved
in planning the 2002 Winter Olympics here in Salt
Lake City. I received security briefings from local
FBI officials, the Utah Olympic Public Safety Command,
and other government representatives and spoke with
U.S. Attorneys from Utah, Montana, and Idaho.
I appreciate these leaders and professionals taking
the time to talk with me, and I have been extremely
impressed with their dedication and resolve. It's
clear to me that a tremendous amount of hard work,
coordination, and forethought have gone into ensuring
a safe, secure, and successful Winter Olympics.
Security preparations have been underway for more
than six years, and I am confident that these plans
are sound, comprehensive, and effectively adjusted
for the realities of September 11th. The full resources
of the state, local, and federal governments are
being deployed, with more than 7,000 security and
public safety and health professionals from 80 different
agencies standing ready, and I believe this team
is as well prepared and well trained as the athletes
themselves.
I am especially pleased to see the high level of
teamwork and cooperation among the various security
and law enforcement professionals here. The Utah
Olympic Public Safety Command is, in my mind, a
model of cooperation, and I thank them for their
efforts. During our meeting this morning, I assured
them that the FBI is absolutely committed to providing
the right level of support and information to our
federal, state, and local partners. I also shared
with them the steps the Bureau is taking to respond
to their needs and concerns, including the appointment
of high level executives in the FBI who will be
focused on strengthening our relationships.
Finally, I want to thank the men and women of the
FBI's Salt Lake City field office, which covers
the states of Utah, Idaho, and Montana. They have
had a full plate these past several months. They
have not only handled their traditional responsibilities
and helped prepare for the Olympics, they have also
covered 940 leads in our investigation of the September
11th attacks and responded to more than 150 anthrax
threats or hoaxes. Through it all, they have done
a tremendous job.
