Grimm warning: Don’t let Winter Olympics turn into Benghazi

U.S. Rep. says security is concern after 2 Russian bombings

December 31, 2013 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Screen Shot 2014-01-02 at 2.22.30 PM.png

Share this:

U.S. Rep. Michael Grimm, co-chairman of the House Russian Caucus, condemned the bombings that have taken place in Russia with a little more than a month to go before the Winter Olympics in that country, warning that security measures should be in place to prevent the Games from turning into a Benghazi-like disaster.

“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,” Grimm (R-C-Bay Ridge-Dyker Heights-Staten Island), a former FBI agent, said in a statement. “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.”

Four Americans, including the U.S. Ambassador to Libya, Christopher Stevens, were killed in an attack on the US mission in Benghazi, Libya on Sept. 11, 2012.

“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,” Grimm said.

The two suicide bombings that took place on consecutive days in Volgograd, Russia killed 31 people.

A suicide bomber killed 14 people on a bus early Monday in Volgograd, a day after another suicide bomber killed 17 people in a railroad station.

The bombings are raising concerns over security as athletes get ready to go to Sochi to compete in the Winter Olympics.

Volgograd is a major rail hub in southern Russia, the city is also a transit point for people traveling by train to Sochi.

The Sochi Olympics open Feb. 7.