Press Releases

President Bush in a televised speech to the nation from the Oval Office the
evening of September 11 denounced what he called the "evil, despicable acts
of terror" earlier in the day that took thousands of lives at the World
Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in the nation's capital.

In the search underway to find those responsible and bring them to justice,
"we will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts
and those who harbor them," Bush said.

Following is the White House transcript:

(begin transcript)

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
September 11, 2001

STATEMENT BY THE PRESIDENT IN HIS ADDRESS TO THE NATION

The Oval Office
8:30 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Good evening. Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life,
our very freedom came under attack in a series of deliberate and deadly
terrorist acts. The victims were in airplanes, or in their offices;
secretaries, businessmen and women, military and federal workers; moms and
dads, friends and neighbors. Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by
evil, despicable acts of terror.

The pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge
structures collapsing, have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness, and
a quiet, unyielding anger. These acts of mass murder were intended to
frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed; our
country is strong.

A great people has been moved to defend a great nation. Terrorist attacks
can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch
the foundation of America. These acts shattered steel, but they cannot dent
the steel of American resolve.

America was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for
freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from
shining.

Today, our nation saw evil, the very worst of human nature. And we
responded with the best of America -- with the daring of our rescue workers,
with the caring for strangers and neighbors who came to give blood and help
in any way they could.

Immediately following the first attack, I implemented our government's
emergency response plans. Our military is powerful, and it's prepared. Our
emergency teams are working in New York City and Washington, D.C. to help
with local rescue efforts.

Our first priority is to get help to those who have been injured, and to
take every precaution to protect our citizens at home and around the world
from further attacks.

The functions of our government continue without interruption. Federal
agencies in Washington which had to be evacuated today are reopening for
essential personnel tonight, and will be open for business tomorrow. Our
financial institutions remain strong, and the American economy will be open
for business, as well.

The search is underway for those who are behind these evil acts. I've
directed the full resources of our intelligence and law enforcement
communities to find those responsible and to bring them to justice. We will
make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and
those who harbor them.

I appreciate so very much the members of Congress who have joined me in
strongly condemning these attacks. And on behalf of the American people, I
thank the many world leaders who have called to offer their condolences and
assistance.

America and our friends and allies join with all those who want peace and
security in the world, and we stand together to win the war against
terrorism. Tonight, I ask for your prayers for all those who grieve, for
the children whose worlds have been shattered, for all whose sense of safety
and security has been threatened. And I pray they will be comforted by a
power greater than any of us, spoken through the ages in Psalm 23: "Even
though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for
You are with me."

This is a day when all Americans from every walk of life unite in our
resolve for justice and peace. America has stood down enemies before, and
we will do so this time. None of us will ever forget this day. Yet, we go
forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world.

Thank you. Good night, and God bless America.

(end transcript)