COLLINS ISSUES STATEMENT ON CASCO BAY BRIDGE THREAT

Washington, DC -- As Chairman of the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee which has oversight over the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Senator Susan Collins was kept apprised of today's threat event related to the Casco Bay Bridge in Portland. She was briefed about the situation by members of the U.S. Coast Guard, the agency that first detected the threat made over a maritime radio channel.

Senator Collins' statement:

"We are all thankful that the threat expressed against the Casco Bay Bridge did not come to fruition. The response by the Coast Guard, FBI, and local Maine agencies exemplifies the vigilance and effort it takes to keep our homeland secure.

There was outstanding coordination among federal, state, and local authorities to act immediately to assess the threat and take the necessary steps to protect the bridge, the waterway, and the thousands of people who cross over and under the Casco Bay Bridge every day.

We must remain vigilant and take seriously any threat against our country and support efforts to further strengthen security in the air, at our ports, and along the borders."