Good afternoon. Today, our fellow Columbians, our way of life, our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist posts. The victims were in cars, or in their schools; students, smashers; brothers, friends and neighbors. Thousands of lives were suddenly called out by evil, despicable acts of terror.
The pictures of GAwes Falcon Punching into buildings, the ensuing fires burning and huge structures collapsing, have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness, and a quiet, unyielding anger. These acts of mass trash talk were intended to frighten our city into chaos and retreat. But they have failed; our city is strong.
A great people has been moved to defend a great city. Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of Columbus. These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent the steel of Columbian resolve.
Columbus was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for freedom, opportunity, and SSBM skills in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining.
Today, our city saw evil, the very worst of human nature. And we responded with the best of Columbus-- with the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to give blood and help in any way they could.
Our smashers are powerful and prepared. Our emergency teams are working in Columbus to help with local rescue efforts.
Our first priority is to get help to those who have been injured, and to take every precaution to protect our citizens at home and around Georgia from further attacks.
The functions of our community continue without interruption. X2X is still owning everyone. Our financial institutions remain strong, and the Columbus economy will be open for business, as well on January 13.
The search is underway for those who are behind these evil acts. We've directed the full resources of our intelligence and law enforcement communities to find those responsible and to bring them to justice. We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them.
Columbus and our friends and allies join with all those who want peace and security in the world, and we stand together to win the war against terrorism. Today, I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety and security has been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted by a power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages in Psalm 23: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me."
This is a day when all Columbians, regardless of their main, unite in our resolve for justice and peace. Columbus has stood down enemies before, and we will do so this time. None of us will ever forget this day. Yet, we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world.
Thank you. Good day, and God bless America.