Fox’s Sandra Smith to Mayorkas: ‘Why Was This Person Out There Pledging Allegiance to ISIS and Not Known by the Government?’

Smith: “But as far as what you can reveal to the American public you are doing, I mean, case in point, in New Orleans, this particular terrorist was pledging his allegiance to ISIS on social media. We have yet to hear about how those videos were eventually taken down, whether that was through the social media network or the federal government. Perhaps you can give us more information on that. But why was this person out there pledging allegiance to ISIS and not known by the government?”

Mayorkas: “Well, there was no public expressions of his allegiance to ISIS except shortly before the tragic events of yesterday. Let me be clear, we work very closely with state and local officers, enforcement officials to identify individuals who are exhibiting signs of radicalization to violence. We work very closely with residents in communities. We have expressed since the tenure of Secretary Janet Napolitano in the first Obama-Biden Administration, see something, say something. If somebody sees something of concern, they need to report it to officials. The responsibility of Homeland Security is a shared responsibility —“

Smith: “Okay.”

Mayorkas: “— and we’re proud to partner with people across the country —“

Smith: “Real quickly, Mr. Secretary —“

Mayorkas: “— in fulfilling that responsibility.”