Gov. Deal honors 9/11 victims

By Michelle Wirth

Atlanta, GA – A special ceremony was held at the Georgia Capitol Friday in memory of the thousands of victims who died ten years ago on 9/11. Outside the Georgia Capitol, flags flew at half staff. Inside, Governor Deal stood with the head of the state patrol, the director of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and other state leaders as he took time to remember those who lost their lives.

"Nearly 3,000 people perished, not soldiers on a battlefield, but civilians, men and women who had simply gone to work that day in New York City and Arlington Virginia. They became victims of senseless violence."

Then Deal paused in their honor.

"I would ask you join me in a moment of silence."

Following the moment of silence, Deal credited those who he says have kept our nation safe in the decade that followed 9/11.

"Through the hard work of homeland security professionals and their collaboration with our military, we have avoided countless attacks and protected our nation against major terrorist events."

Deal did not say whether the state is on heightened alert as a result of what authorities believe could be a credible terrorist threat against New York and Washington D.C. But after the ceremony, Deal spokesman Brian Robinson told reporters the Governor is monitoring the situation.

"The government is in constant contact with GEMA and GEMA's director and GEMA has been in constant contact with federal authorities and the FBI."

Robinson says at this point there is no credible threat against Georgia. But he says state officials will remain on alert throughout the weekend.