New York, Hudson Valley Leaders React to Terror Attacks in Brussels

Photo courtesy of the NYPD

As New York City subway stations, airports and other crowded places teemed with hundreds of extra security forces Tuesday, local leaders responded to the terror attacks in Brussels, Belgium that killed dozens and injured scores more.

New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo opened remarks in Buffalo with comments on the attacks.

"it is an international plague and we want our brothers and sisters in Brussels to know that we stand with them," Cuomo said. "Their pain is our pain. We will remember them in our prayers today. We are going to be redoubling our efforts today here in this state at our airports, our terminals, train terminals, etcetera, as we have before. But it’s so clear that the only solution, the only resolution is going to be coalition building among our allies against those who would spread fear and terror, period, and that has to be the way forward. And we want Brussels to know the way the world came together for us after 9/11, we will never forget, we will always appreciate and we will be there for Brussels. Whatever they need, they should ask the state of New York and we will deliver."

Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino said the news was also a reminder of the vigilance needed at home and abroad.

“Our hearts and prayers are with the people of Belgium as yet another murderous rampage has been carried out by ISIS," Astorino said. "We are under attack by radical Islamic terrorists and peaceful nations and peoples across the world need to unite to not only condemn these killings but to stop them as well. At home we need to ensure that all our intelligence and law enforcement agencies are sharing information and working as one to keep people safe.”

Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland) said the U.S. should reach out to provide assistance:

The news out of Brussels is simply heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families, and with the emergency personnel responding to this brutal and cowardly attack.

Early indications that this was a terrorist attack coming on the heels of Istanbul, Paris, and San Bernardino, are another reminder of the need to remain vigilant against violent extremism, and to aggressively root out and defeat those who would kill and maim innocent civilians simply going about their lives.

I urge President Obama to provide any assistance necessary to Belgian and European authorities as they investigate this inhuman attack and bring to justice anyone else involved.”

State Sen. Terrence Murphy (R-Yorktown) highlighted Belgium's unsecured border policies and called for monitoring refugee resettlement agencies here in the United States.

"Belgium is a country of many religions and many peoples including the Flemish, Walloon and German. Today, we stand with them. All our hearts are with the people of Belgium and we ask God to help comfort and heal the families of Brussels," Murphy said. "As one of the headquarters of the International Community, sadly Brussels has also become a target of radical Islamic terrorism and a hot bed for extremism with unsecured border policies that have only exacerbated the issue. Sadly today's events only reinforces my principal that New York must be a leader in the fight against radical Islamic terrorism and we must stay focused on keeping our citizens safe from extremism both foreign and domestic.

"Therefore, I call on both the Senate and the assembly to stand shoulder-to-shoulder and provide the leadership that the rest of the nation can follow. Monitoring refugee resettlement agencies, and having commonsense checks and balances, can and will reduce the risk of further threats to our state. New York is the international symbol for hope and prosperity and we must pass my legislation to ensure that no terror returns to our great state and nation.

"Humanitarian concerns are always first and foremost in our minds but security is a close second."