President Barack Obama spoke to the nation on the eve of Thanksgiving, reassuring the people that there were no credible reports of "a plot on the homeland."
Accepting that the recent attacks in Paris that killed more than 130 people would be a cause of nervousness and tension, Obama asked Americans to remain vigilant.
"All of us recognize how horrific and heinous what took place in Paris was. I know that Americans have been asking each other whether it's safe here, whether it's safe to fly or gather. I know that families have discussed their fears about the threat of terrorism around the dinner table, many for the first time since September 11th," Obama said, according to NBC News.
Obama's address came shortly after a meeting of his national security team, including FBI Director James Comey, Attorney General Loretta Lynch, Homeland Security Director Jeh Johnson and his national security adviser, Susan Rice. "Right now, we know of no specific and credible intelligence indicating a plot on the homeland," Obama said, according to Fox News. He further clarified that the U.S. would not stop the military campaign against the Islamic State. "We will not let up, adjusting our tactics where necessary, until they are beaten," Obama said, reports Fox News.
"While the threat of terrorism is a troubling reality of our age, we are both equipped to prevent attacks and we are resilient in the face of those who would try to do us harm. And that's something we can all be thankful for," Obama said, according to the Chicago Tribune.
But, Obama said, "We are taking every precaution to keep our homeland safe. I want the American people to know, entering the holidays, that the combined resources of the military, intelligence and homeland security are on the case. They're vigilant, relentless and effective." He urged Americans to "go about usual Thanksgiving weekend activities ... spending time with family and friends and celebrating our blessings," reports NBC News.
Obama concluded by saying that if a "specific, credible threat" came up, the people would be informed.
