[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 37, Number 8 (Monday, February 26, 2001)]
[Pages 317-318]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Remarks on the Robert Hanssen Espionage Case

February 20, 2001

    This has been a difficult day for those who love our country, and 
especially for those who serve our country in law enforcement and in the 
intelligence community.
    Allegations of espionage of an FBI counterintelligence agent are 
extremely serious and are deeply disturbing, particularly disturbing for 
the thousands of men and women who work for the FBI, whose mission is to 
protect our national security and who now must deal with allegations 
that one of their own may have undermined it.
    I have the utmost confidence in Director Louis Freeh and the men and 
women who serve in the FBI, those who represent our

[[Page 318]]

country in the CIA and in the Justice Department. I thank them for their 
service. I commend them for their sacrifice. Allegations of espionage 
are a reminder that we live in a dangerous world, a world that sometimes 
does not share American values.
    I thank the men and women who proudly serve our country. But to 
anyone who would betray its trust, I warn you: We'll find you, and we'll 
bring you to justice.
    Thank you.

Note: The President spoke at 12:50 p.m. aboard Air Force One en route 
from Columbus, OH, to St. Louis, MO. A tape was not available for 
verification of the content of these remarks.