Baltimore Mayor Congratulates Police for Assisting in Terrorism Investigation

On Friday, Mayor Martin O'Malley praised the efforts of Baltimore city police officers who worked hand in hand with the federal government in an investigation that led to the arrest of six suspects associated with a Sri Lankan terrorist group. The group, Tamil Tiger, is on the US Department of State's list of foreign terrorist organizations. The U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland today charged the defendants with various crimes including conspiracy to export arms and munitions, conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and money laundering. The suspects were arrested in Guam after attempting to purchase night vision devices, sniper rifles, submachine guns and grenade launchers.

"The arrests of these dangerous individuals demonstrate that with greater cooperation between federal officials and local law enforcement, we can make great strides in protecting the lives of citizens and our neighbors across the world," said Mayor O'Malley. "I applaud our courageous Baltimore city police officers who assisted in the investigation that led to these arrests. In the fight against terror, I'm proud that Baltimore continues to be a leader in homeland security by working to make sure our officers have every advantage in securing our port, our neighborhoods, our businesses, and our country."

In the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11th, Mayor O'Malley expanded Baltimore City's Intel Unit within the Baltimore City Police Department from six officers to 30 officers. The Intel Unit is responsible for homeland security and terrorist investigations, coordinates the investigation of federal, state and local law enforcement partners and oversees the city's 24-hour watch center. The unit also conducted a comprehensive assessment of critical infrastructure in Baltimore.

"I am extremely proud of my officers' contributions in this case, and very pleased to see the extremely high level of cooperation between all the law enforcement agencies involved," said Baltimore City Police Commissioner Leonard Hamm.

In addition to the Baltimore City Police Department, the investigation included several federal agencies including U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Defense Criminal Investigation Service and the FBI.