WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Chris Smith, whose Fourth Congressional District contains more than half of Fort Dix where the plotters conspired to kill U.S. service members last year, called today's convictions of five men on conspiracy and weapons charges a blow to would-be terrorists here at home in the United States.

"The men and women who serve in uniform are at risk, not just in the Middle East and places all over the world, but right here at home," Smith said. "This verdict shows that our troops can be targeted at bases in New Jersey and elsewhere in the United States. Our bases, where our military service members and their families live and work, have to be as secure as we can make them. We must work to minimize risk to our bases in this age of terrorism in which we now live."

Smith also represents other military bases -- Naval Weapons Station Earle in Monmouth County, as well as Lakehurst Naval Air Engineering Station in Ocean County. Lakehurst was alleged to have been considered by the plotters as a possible target.

"The jury seemed to deliberate very carefully, which is a credit to our judicial system," Smith said. "Unfortunately, the case clearly demonstrates that there are individuals who live in our country who conspire to penetrate our military installations and kill our troops."

Smith said that the convictions were proof that ordinary, alert citizens can have an impact in the fight against terrorism. The F ort Dix case allegedly began when a store clerk contacted authorities after observing suspicious activity.

"Average Americans can help and have a role to play when they see something that looks suspicious," Smith said. "They should report it to federal or local law enforcement officials. This plot was broken up with the help of a tip from an everyday citizen."