Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expresses security concerns after two Jordanians are arrested for trying to breach Marine Corps Base Quantico.
Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has raised concerns about the attempted breach of Marine Corps Base Quantico by two Jordanians, questioning whether there is more to the incident than what has been reported.
On Thursday, Pompeo stated that "something doesn't sound right" about the incident, expressing reservations about the level of information available. He emphasized the high level of security at Quantico, suggesting that the suspects may have had insider assistance or a deeper motive than initially believed.
"This is a very secure facility," Pompeo said. "It's not easy to get onto Quantico. You have to go through multiple layers of security. So, the fact that these two individuals were able to get as far as they did is concerning."
The suspects, identified as 23-year-old Yasser Arafat Alsakka and 25-year-old Basamhammad Alobedi, were arrested on Wednesday after allegedly attempting to enter the base through a locked gate. They are currently facing federal charges, including conspiracy to attempt to enter a military installation.
Pompeo called for a thorough investigation into the incident, questioning whether the suspects were acting alone or had ties to terrorist organizations. He emphasized the need to prioritize the security of U.S. military bases and personnel.
"We need to know everything about this incident," Pompeo said. "We need to know what these individuals were trying to do, who they were working with, and what their motives were."
The apprehension of the suspects has highlighted security concerns at Quantico, which houses Marine Expeditionary Force Command, the FBI National Academy, and other sensitive facilities.
Pompeo's remarks come amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, following the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash. Raisi was widely known for his role in the mass executions of thousands of Iranian prisoners in 1988, leading to his moniker as the "Butcher of Tehran."
Pompeo has criticized the Biden administration for offering condolences to the Iranian regime upon Raisi's death, arguing that it is an insult to his countless victims and a sign of weakness towards Iran.
"Offering condolences to the Iranian regime after the death of Ebrahim Raisi is a shameful act of appeasement," Pompeo said. "The Biden administration needs to stop coddling the regime and its proxies, and focus on protecting American interests and keeping our country safe."
