Fact Check: John Cohen, a former senior DHS counterterrorism official, stated that the DHS was created to help the nation be better prepared to stop terrorist attacks following the September 11 attacks.

Fact Check: "John Cohen, a former senior DHS counterterrorism official, stated that the DHS was created to help the nation be better prepared to stop terrorist attacks following the September 11 attacks."

What We Know

John Cohen, who served as the Principal Deputy Counterterrorism Coordinator at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has made statements regarding the DHS's role in counterterrorism since its establishment. The DHS was created in response to the September 11 attacks, with the primary mission of preventing future terrorist attacks and enhancing the nation's security. According to the DHS website, the department's efforts include countering violent extremism and ensuring the security of the U.S. visa system. Cohen has emphasized that combating evolving terrorist threats remains a top priority for the DHS, indicating that the department was indeed formed to address the vulnerabilities exposed by the attacks of 9/11 (source-3).

In various statements, Cohen has outlined the changing nature of terrorist threats and the need for the DHS to adapt its strategies accordingly. He highlighted that the threat environment has evolved significantly since 9/11, necessitating a proactive approach to counterterrorism (source-4). The 9/11 Commission Report also supports the assertion that the DHS was established to enhance national preparedness against terrorism.

Analysis

Cohen's statements about the DHS's foundational purpose align with the broader historical context of the department's creation. The DHS was formed in 2002 as a direct response to the September 11 attacks, aiming to consolidate various federal agencies to improve coordination in preventing terrorism (source-8). His remarks reflect a consistent narrative from DHS officials that the department's mission is rooted in the lessons learned from 9/11.

However, while Cohen's assertion that the DHS was created to prepare the nation against terrorist attacks is accurate, it is essential to note that the effectiveness of the DHS in fulfilling this mission has been a subject of debate. Critics have pointed out various challenges and shortcomings in the DHS's approach to counterterrorism, suggesting that while the intention was to enhance preparedness, the execution has faced obstacles (source-6). Therefore, while Cohen's statement is factually correct, it does not encompass the complexities and criticisms surrounding the DHS's operational effectiveness.

Conclusion

The claim that John Cohen stated the DHS was created to help the nation be better prepared to stop terrorist attacks following the September 11 attacks is Partially True. While Cohen's assertion aligns with the historical context of the DHS's formation and its stated mission, it does not fully address the ongoing challenges and criticisms regarding the department's effectiveness in achieving these goals.

Sources

1. Statement for the Record of Principal Deputy Counterterrorism ...
2. Statement of John Cohen, Principal Deputy ... - Homeland Security
3. PDF STATEMENT FOR THE RECORD John Cohen
4. Top DHS Counterterrorism Official Talks About Pressing Threats
5. Written Testimony of John Cohen Counterterrorism ...
6. REFORMING DHS TO MEET TODAY'S THREATS
7. The 9/11 Commission Report
8. Assessing the Effectiveness of the Department ...