Obama Faults 'Systemic Failure' in US Security

He promises quick reviews over 'catastrophic' breach
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 29, 2009 3:53 PM CST
Obama Faults 'Systemic Failure' in US Security
This image obtained by ABC News shows the underpants worn by the would-be terrorist, without the explosive packet.   (AP Photo/ABC News)

President Obama today flatly declared that the US security system broke down ahead of Friday's attempted airline bombing. He blamed a "systemic failure" for leading to a "catastrophic breach of security" and promised reviews of both airport screening and the terror watch list. He said he wants preliminary reports by Thursday, reports CBS.

Noting that the suspect's father reported his son to authorities well ahead of the attack, Obama blamed a "mix of human and systemic failure" for the close call. Information about the suspect should have been shared among the proper agencies, he said. "We need to determine just how the suspect was able to bring dangerous explosives aboard an aircraft and what additional steps we can take to thwart future attacks," he said. (More Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X