Obama Says “Strength” of America’s Response to Terrorism Makes Him Proud to Be American

Ahead of the start of the annual United Nations General Assembly, President Obama made a hasty public statement on the weekend bombings in New York and New Jersey, as well as the stabbing attack at a mall in Minnesota.

He advised citizens to keep fear at bay and not give in to altering daily life, because, he says, this is what terrorists hope to achieve with their attacks. It's a familiar refrain from Obama, who has for several months said the best way to combat ISIL and lone wolf attacks on the homeland is to do so with resilience:

"Folks around here, they don't get scared. They're tough, they're resilient, they go about their business every single day. That kind of toughness and resoluteness and the recognition that neither individuals nor organizations like ISIL can ultimately undermine our way of life—that's the kind of strength that makes me so proud to be an American.That's the kind of strength that is going to be absolutely critical, not just in the days to come, but in the years to come, by showing those who want to do us harm that they will never beat us, by showing the entire world that as Americans we do not and never will give in to fear."

He added:

"That's going to be the most important ingredient in defeating those who would carry out terrorist acts against us."

Obama also had a warning for the press, asking them to "refrain" from reporting information that has not been confirmed by law enforcement.Yesterday, Obama received some criticism for not addressing the attacks sooner, heading instead directly to a private Democratic fundraiser upon arrival in Manhattan.

However, as soon as Monday's terrorism talk was over, Obama was back at raising funds, heading across town in his motorcade to yet another event, this time for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee.