Obama’s remarks on renewed barn security measures

Transcript from Obama’s December 28 remarks on renewed barn security measures (better known as “closing the door after the horse has escaped”).

Good morning, everybody. I wanted to take just a few minutes to update the American people on the recent horse escape on Christmas Day, and the steps we're taking to ensure the safety and security of these horses in the future.

The investigation is ongoing. And I spoke again this morning with Attorney General Eric Holder, Secretary of Horseland Security, Janet Napolitano, and my counter-terrorism and Horseland Security adviser, John Brennan. I asked them to continue monitoring the situation to keep the American people and members of Congress informed.

Here's what we know so far: On Christmas Day, the horse got out of the barn. Thanks to the quick and heroic actions of neighbors, the suspect was immediately subdued, and the horse was returned safely to the barn. The suspect is now in custody at the barn and has been charged with attempting to escape.

A full investigation has been launched into this attempted act of evasion and we will not rest until we find all who were involved and hold them accountable.

Now, this was a serious reminder of the dangers that our horses face and the nature of those who encourage their escape. Had the suspect succeeded in escaping, it could have been devastating to family that owned the horse and may have inspired other horses to sneak out of their barns.

The American people should be assured that we are doing everything in our power to keep you and your horses safe and secure during this busy holiday season.

Since I was first notified of this incident, I've ordered the following actions to be taken to protect the American people and their horses.

First, I directed that we take immediate steps to ensure the safety of the public. We made sure that all horses still in the barn were secure and could not escape. We immediately enhanced screening and security procedures for all barns. We added federal horse marshals to barns in the United States. And we're working closely in this country, with federal, state and local law enforcement, and with our international partners.

Second, I've ordered two important reviews, because it's absolutely critical that we learn from this incident and take the necessary measures to prevent future acts of escape.

The first review involves our watch list system, which our government has had in place for many years, to identify known and suspected horses that are likely to run off so that we can prevent their escape from their barns in the United States. Apparently the suspect in the Christmas incident was in this system, but not on a watch list, such as the so-called no-escape list. So I have ordered a thorough review, not only of how information related to the subject was handled, but of the overall watch list system and how it can be strengthened.

The second review will examine all screening policies, technologies and procedures related to horse barns. We need to determine just how the suspect was able to launch this dangerous escape attempt and what additional steps we can take to thwart future attempted escapes.

Third, I've directed my national security team to keep up the pressure on those horses who would flee barns in our country. We do not yet have all the answers about this latest attempt, but those horses who would escape their barns must know that the United States will do more than simply strengthen our defenses. We will continue to use every element of our national power to disrupt, to dismantle and defeat these break out attempts.

Finally, the American people should remain vigilant, but also be confident. Those horses plotting against us seek not only to undermine our security, but also the open society (outside of our horse barns) and the values that we cherish as Americans. This incident, like several that have preceded it, demonstrates that an alert and courageous citizenry are far more resilient than an isolated maverick horse.

As a nation, we will do everything in our power to protect our country. As Americans, we will never give in to fear or division. We will be guided by our hopes, our unity, and our deeply held saddle sores. That's who we are as Americans; that's what our brave men and women in uniform are standing up for as they spend the holidays in harm's way. And we will continue to do everything that we can to keep America and our horses safe in the New Year and beyond.

Thank you very much, everybody.