WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Angus King (I-ME), a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, today met with officials from the National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Counterterrorism Division to learn more about last week’s violent siege of the Westgate Premier Shopping Mall in Nairobi, Kenya that left scores dead. Senator King requested the briefing in order to more fully understand who was responsible for the attack, whether any Americans were involved, and how terrorists organizations are recruiting new members from around the world.

Following today’s briefing Senator King released the following statement:

“Individuals linked to the al-Shabaab terrorist network were behind the unspeakable acts of violence in Nairobi, Kenya. At this point, our counterterrorism officials have no information to corroborate reports that any Americans were responsible for the attacks, including anyone in Maine.  Our government is continuing to review names and other information that has been posted on social media and in the press to determine the validity of such reports.

“It is vital that counterterrorism officials work closely with local law enforcement and community leaders to deter and prevent terrorist recruitment efforts within our borders. Such actions are critical to keeping our communities safe and reducing the threat of global terrorism.  

“I intend to stay in contact with national security officials as they continue the investigation and will closely review any new information as it arises.”

According to official reports, as far as we are aware no Americans were killed in last week’s attacks, nor have any Americans been reported missing.  Five U.S. citizens were injured during the four-day siege.

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