The deadly bombings in Russia have Rep. Michael Grimm (R-NY) concerned that next year’s Winter Olympics will become “a nightmare like Benghazi.”
In a statement released Monday, Grimm condemned the suicide bombings that left more than 30 people dead in the Russian city of Volgograd — attacks that have raised concerns about security at the 2014 winter games in Sochi.
The deadly explosions, Grimm said, should be viewed in the same light as the warnings that preceded the Sept. 11, 2012 attack in Benghazi, Libya.
“I strongly condemn the terrorist attacks in Russia. As we approach the opening of the Winter Olympics in Sochi, we must not let the terrorists incite fear. The Olympics are a time for member nations to put aside their differences in the name of peaceful competition. That is why we must remain vigilant and take every threat seriously.
“We cannot sweep these threats under the rug, like we did with Benghazi or the warnings from Russia on the Tsarnaev brother behind the Boston Marathon bombing. Each time we fail to recognize these threats, we not only risk the lives of innocent Americans, but appear weaker and vulnerable in the eyes of the enemy. In doing so, we allow the terrorists to become emboldened and continue their reign of terror throughout the world – attacking us and our allies.
“The only winners in Sochi should be our athletes, which is why we must work closely with Russia and our allies to combat the threat of terrorism. That begins with taking every threat seriously and acting accordingly, so that the Winter Olympics remain a dream for athletes around the globe, instead of becoming a nightmare like Benghazi.”
A New York Times investigation “turned up no evidence that Al Qaeda or other international terrorist groups had any role” in the attack on the United States diplomatic mission in Benghazi that left four Americans dead. The Times report also indicated that the assault was triggered in part by an anti-Islamic video.
The White House said Monday that it’s offering “full support” to Russia ahead of the Olympics.
