Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton today called for an intelligence surge, a partnership with the IT industry and for trust between law enforcement and Muslim Americans to thwart terrorist attacks inside the US.
"We should launch an intelligence surge to help identify and thwart attacks before they can be carried out. We need to work more closely with Silicon Valley and other partners to counter terrorist propaganda and recruitment efforts online. And it is crucial that we continue to build up trust between law enforcement and Muslim-American communities," Clinton told reporters at a news conference.
In the Middle East, the US needs to smash Islamic State (IS) strongholds with an accelerated coalition air campaign, more support for Arab and Kurdish forces on the ground and intense diplomatic efforts in Syria, Iraq and across the region, she asserted.
"Working closely with our allies and partners to keep us safe must be the top priority for our next commander-in-chief. Later today, I'll discuss the threat from terrorism with President el-Sisi of Egypt and other world leaders," she said as the FBI and the NYPD nabbed an Afghan American as a suspect for the New York terror attack over the weekend.
Clinton, who represented New York State in the US Senate before becoming Secretary of State in the first term of the Obama administration urged fellow Americans to be vigilant, but not afraid.
"We have faced threats before. If you see something, or you hear something, report it immediately to local law enforcement authorities. I know we will meet this new danger with the same courage and vigilance. We choose resolve, not fear. We will not turn on each other or undermine our values. We'll stand together because we are stronger together in the face of this threat and every other challenge," she said.
Responding to a question on the immigration policy being pushed by her Republican opponent Donald Trump in view of lone wolf attacks, Clinton said she is opposed to such policies.
"Let us remember, there are millions and millions of naturalised citizens in America from all over the world. There are millions of law-abiding peaceful Muslim-Americans. This is the kind of challenge that law enforcement can and is prepared to address, namely going after anyone who would threaten the United States," she said.
"So I am absolutely in favour of and have long been an advocate for tough vetting, for making sure that we don't let people into this country -- and not just people who come here to settle, but we need a better visa system," she said.
"Let's remember what happened on 9/11. These were not refugees who got into airplanes and attacked our city and our country. So let's not get diverted and distracted by the kind of campaign rhetoric we hear coming from the other side.
"This is a serious challenge, we are well-equipped to meet it, and we can do so in keeping with smart law enforcement, good intelligence and in concert with our values," Clinton added.
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