Here’s what Centre County’s representatives in Washington said about the airstrike in Iraq
The killing of Iran’s Maj. Gen. Qasem Suleimani in a U.S. airstrike early Friday morning has elected officials — including those who represent Centre County — concerned about how the United States will handle the aftermath, following promises of retaliation from Iran’s leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran’s top general and architect of Tehran’s wars in the Middle East was killed along with several members of Iraqi militias in an airstrike early on Friday at Baghdad’s international airport. The Department of Defense justified the attack in a statement, saying Soleimani “was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region.”
But, some believe the attack will result in retaliation against the United States and endanger troops in the Middle East.
U.S. Rep. Fred Keller, R-Kreamer, voiced his support for the strike and commended President Donald Trump on social media. Keller represents Pennsylvania’s 12th District, which includes parts of southeastern Centre County.
“Once again, President Trump has shown America will not back down, terrorists will be held accountable, and rogue states cannot continue to rule neighboring democracies through thuggery and intimidation,” Keller tweeted. “The death of Qasem Soleimani is a win for freedom.”
Centre County’s other congressman, U.S. Rep. Glenn Thompson, R-Howard Township, said in a statement that he is “all too familiar with the Iranian regime’s involvement outside their borders and attempts to destabilize the region.”
He added: “I am looking forward to returning to Washington this upcoming week to receive further intelligence on the matter and the Pentagon’s plan for negating any counter-aggressions against American citizens, troops and assets.”
Republican Sen. Pat Toomey and Democratic Sen. Bob Casey Jr. issued statements on Friday afternoon, responding to the attack. Although both said Suleimani’s death will make the world “a better place,” Casey expressed concern for what’s next.
Following the attack, the State Department urged United States citizens to leave Iraq immediately, citing “heightened tensions.” The strike resulted in mass displays of public mourning in Iran and across the Middle East. Iranian officials said Suleimani’s body would be taken on a funeral procession around Baghdad. His funeral will be held in Tehran on Sunday.
Using the weekend to mourn the death, Iranian leaders vowed to retaliate against the United States.
“I have grave concerns that President Trump and his administration have not provided the American people with a comprehensive strategy on Iran,” Casey said. “Finally, this and other recent actions by the administration have been taken without a Congressionally approved Authorization for Use of Military Force.”
During the attack, Trump was vacationing in Palm Beach, Florida, but tweeted a photo of an American flag, followed by a series of comments on social media throughout the day on Friday.
Next week, Trump must provide a full briefing to Congress regarding the intelligence used to authorize the strike, the legal basis for the attack, the nature of the threat and how the administration plans to address potential attacks from Iran — abroad and at home — resulting from the airstrike.
“As we prepare for fallout in the coming days, Congress has a critical role to play in assessing the legality of the strike, understanding its impact on U.S. national security and conducting oversight over this administration’s actions abroad,” Casey said.
This story was originally published January 3, 2020 at 4:48 PM.
