The Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation says his agency is currently looking into potential terrorism cases in Mississippi. The FBI is counting on local law enforcement and citizens to help stop attacks before they happen.
F.B.I. Director Jim Comey visited the Capital City yesterday, as part of an initiative to touch base with every field office in the U.S.
Surrounded by law enforcement officials from around the state, Comey underlined his plan to continue protecting Americans against criminals and terrorists both foreign, and home-grown. He says Mississippi, just like every other state, has the potential to be a victim of terrorism.
"Any place there are troubled souls who might be susceptible to the poisonous propaganda and training that's offered through the Internet potentially has an issue," says Comey. "Mississippi is a great state, but like all 50 states it has troubled souls who might look to find meaning in this sick misguided way. The challenge we face in law enforcement is that they may be getting exposed to that poison and that training in their basement."
In an effort to help stop terrorism from springing up in Mississippi, Comey urged residents to keep a watchful eye on possible suspicious activity. He also encouraged local law enforcement to be prepared for anything. Leonard Papania is the Chief of Gulfport Police.
"In law enforcement everything crosses your mind," Papania says. "You have your day-to-day business, and then you have to prepare for those instances that aren't common, but can happen. All of our federal law enforcement does good [sic] in their partnership with local law enforcement, in keeping us in tune with the intelligence that's out there and keeping us prepared."
The was FBI Director Jim Comey’s second visit to Mississippi since taking office in 2013,
