U.S. Senator John Boozman, Senator Tom Cotton joined , Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin, and FBI Director Kash Patel on Monday at the Arkansas State Capitol for a law enforcement roundtable focused on threats posed by Communist China to the homeland.
The roundtable included state, local, and federal law enforcement officers, along with representatives from utilities and business leaders, who discussed protecting Arkansas communities from risks including economic espionage, threats to critical infrastructure, illegal drug trafficking, and foreign influence operations.
Following the roundtable, the leaders held a press conference at the Capitol, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies to counter foreign threats.
Senator Cotton said discussions underscored that the threat posed by Communist China is “both pressing and urgent,” noting concerns ranging from infrastructure vulnerabilities to fentanyl trafficking and foreign ownership of farmland. Cotton praised cooperation with the FBI and its Little Rock field office, calling Arkansas a leader in confronting these challenges.
FBI Director Patel highlighted Arkansas’s strategic role in national security due to its agricultural strength, critical infrastructure, cyber presence, and major corporate footprint. Patel credited enhanced coordination under the Trump administration and stressed the importance of joint efforts with state and local law enforcement to combat violent crime and protect the homeland.
Senator Boozman said the event allowed officials to focus on public safety priorities, including defending critical infrastructure and addressing violent crime and illegal drugs. He emphasized the value of hearing directly from officers on the front lines as federal and state leaders develop policies to improve coordination and effectiveness.
Attorney General Griffin said partnerships among Arkansas’s federal delegation, law enforcement agencies, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office are essential in countering what he described as China’s “gray-zone warfare tactics.” Griffin said addressing the multifaceted threat requires ongoing cooperation and vigilance.
A full video of the press conference is available through Senator Cotton’s office.
Leave a Reply