On the 20th anniversary of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. and on United Airlines Flight 93, Mark Ghilarducci, Director of the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and Homeland Security advisor to Governor Gavin Newsom, issued the following statement:
“As we mark two decades since the terrorist attacks on the United States of America, we remember the thousands of lives that we lost and look back on how far we have come as a state and as a nation.
“On this day of remembrance, we honor the first responders — firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency service workers— who answered the call of duty alongside the innocent civilians and heroic individuals who rushed into action to save lives that day.
“Their courage embodies the spirit and resilience of our state and our nation, and their resolve has inspired a new generation of proactive public safety initiatives and community preparedness efforts.
“In the proceeding years, terrorism and violent extremism remain a threat to our nation and our state. In response, California has assumed leadership roles in responding to violence and extremism, including participating in Joint Terrorism Task Forces, protecting our critical infrastructure and establishing the State Threat Assessment System as well as the California Cybersecurity Integration Center.
“In California, we face constant threats, not just in the form of terrorism. As a disaster-prone state, wildfires, floods and earthquakes, along with terrorism risks, are part of our daily fabric. It is incumbent upon all of us to look out for each other and for our communities.
“So today, I ask all Californians to continue to help us in this important effort by remaining as prepared and attentive as ever. If you see something suspicious, say something about it by calling 9-1-1 or your local authorities. Additionally, it is important to always be aware and prepared for any emergency by developing and practicing a family emergency plan, staying informed and building an emergency supply kit.
“We must all do our part to be prepared.”