San Bernardino County Awarded $1.3 Million to Prevent and Respond to Terrorist Attacks

SAN BERNARDINO – Since the December 2015 terrorist attacks in the City of San Bernardino, the county realized how ill-prepared they were for future attacks or how to prepare for or prevent these attacks altogether. U.S. Representative Pete Aguilar has worked tirelessly since the attacks to gain funding to combat or prepare for any future terrorist attacks within the County of San Bernardino in the future. Finally, just days ago, the Department of Homeland Security awarded the county $1.3 million in federal funds to be used to improve the county’s ability to prevent, prepare for, and respond to terrorist attacks.

This funding took approximately 18 months, while the region still is recovering from the Inland Regional Center attack that killed 14 people and seriously injured 22 others on December 2, 2015. Officials said that the funding will be dispersed through the Program to Prepare Communities for Complex Coordinated Terrorist Attacks (CCTA).

“When the attack in San Bernardino occurred, we became the site of the worst terrorist attack since 9/11. Had it not been for the heroism of our local law enforcement and first responders, we would have lost more innocent lives that day. Their incredible response is an example of how critical preparedness is in situations like this, and that’s why I’ve continuously fought to ensure that our community has the resources it needs to prevent, prepare for and respond to extraordinary emergencies,” said Rep. Aguilar. He added, “I’m glad to see the Department of Homeland Security select our community for this funding and I’ll keep working to ensure our federal agencies step up and help our region as we continue to recover.”

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Rep. Aguilar has dedicated hours upon hours speaking on behalf of the Inland Empire seeking assistance and to bring back federal dollars that were used during the response to the 2015 attack and for funds to assist survivors and victims’ help law enforcement and $4 million to support both the short and long-term needs of the victims.

San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chairman Robert Lovingood commented, “During the Dec. 2, 2015 attack, we found that the cross-training among law enforcement agencies was of tremendous value. This grant will help us continue that work by enhancing security and increasing our counter-terror efforts. And on behalf of the County, we appreciate Congressman Aguilar’s assistance in receiving this grant.”

Rep. Aguilar does not feel that his work is over, he plans to continue to ensure the County has all needs met to recover and to move forward. San Bernardino County Sheriff John McMahon said, “Here in San Bernardino, no one anticipated the unthinkable acts that were committed by the terrorists on December 2, 2015. I have always advocated preparedness for the unknown, and programs such as the CCTA will aid in our ability to collaborate with our partners in emergency services to better prepare and try to prevent future acts of terrorism.”