Trump renews push for his travel ban

Brian Dowling
Sunday, June 04, 2017

As a pair of deadly terror attacks unfolded in London, President Trump issued a call to resurrect the blocked travel ban that his administration recently asked the Supreme Court to allow to take effect.

“We need to be smart, vigilant and tough,” Trump tweeted as news reports about the van attack on London Bridge and stabbings at a nearby market began to circulate. “We need the courts to give us back our rights,” he wrote. “We need the Travel Ban as an extra level of safety!”

The Justice Department argued Thursday that the lower courts blocking the Trump policy erred by relying on statements Trump made as a candidate rather than deferring to the White House on the national security issue.

The ban, affecting travelers from six mostly Muslim countries and halting U.S. refugee programs, was blocked by the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals last month, and is currently being considered by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

Trump’s second tweet after the attack offered support for the people of the United Kingdom.

“Whatever the United States can do to help out in London and the U.K., we will be there,” Trump said.

“WE ARE WITH YOU. GOD BLESS!” he added.

The U.S. Embassy in London urged citizens to avoid areas around the attacks and to “be vigilant and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.”

The U.S. State Department said the “United States condemns the cowardly attacks targeting innocent civilians in London this evening.”

“The United States stands ready to provide any assistance authorities in the United Kingdom may request,” State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement. “Our hearts are with the families and loved ones of the victims. We wish a full and quick recovery to those injured in the attacks. All Americans stand in solidarity with the people of the United Kingdom.”

In a message posted to Twitter, Vice President Mike Pence said, “Our thoughts & prayers are w/ the victims, courageous first responders & all the people of London.”

Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn, engaged in an election fight with British Prime Minister Theresa May, said on Twitter, “Brutal and shocking incidents reported in London. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. Thank you to the emergency services.”

In Boston, Mayor Martin J. Walsh tweeted that the city “stands in solidarity with all Londoners. We send our prayers to the victims, first responders & all those affected.”

http://www.bostonherald.com/news/loc...his_travel_ban