Former Homeland Security Official Talks About Not Being Fearful And The Value Of Vigilance Following Paris Attack
By Tim Jimenez
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A former U.S. Homeland Security official residing in our area weighs in on the attacks in Paris and the response in this country.
Jack Tomarchio is former deputy undersecretary for intelligence in Homeland Security. He was there during the London bombings in 2005 and the Mumbai attacks in 2008. And in this country, He emphasizes that when people follow the slogan, "See Something, Say Something", good things happen.
"We've had many, many incidents that have never materialized because individuals saw something odd."
He says attacks at so-called "soft targets" like in Paris, go towards the terrorist goal of creating fear and panic.
"That's the goal they're trying to get to. To put a society to its knees. Individuals can't function in their regular manner, they're so afraid. We don't want that. We can't do that."
Tomarchio now runs a security consulting firm, the Agoge Group, in Wayne. He says after Paris, it's the so-called soft targets that get attention.
"These are always going to create a challenge to law enforcement," says Tomarchio. "You can't lock down every single place in society. Society can't function that way."
He says the stepped up security measures, like at the Eagles game and other NFL stadiums Sunday, are likely to continue in the coming days and weeks.
