U.S. Tracks "Credible" Terror Threat
WASHINGTON (WWJ/AP) - Both the nation's capital and New York City are increasing police presence during the 10th anniversary of September 11th following a threat of a new terrorist attack.
Officials have received a credible but unconfirmed terror threat having to do with New York or Washington. A counterterrorism official told The Associated Press that law enforcement officials have been investigating the intelligence since it was received late Wednesday night. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive security information.
The counterterrorism official said the information in the threat is so specific and comes just days before the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks that it could not be ignored.
WWJ Newsradio 950's Brian Larsen spoke with Senator Carl Levin of Michigan who chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee.
"We've got to be specially vigilant when we come upon days and anniversaries and such as we are coming upon this weekend," said Levin
In New York, Governor Andrew Cuomo released a statement about the threat reading:
"There are reports of a terrorist threat against New York or Washington, D.C. Our state law enforcement agencies are in contact with federal and local agencies. All New Yorkers should be cautious and aware as we prepare to commemorate the 9/11 anniversary. However, there is no reason to panic or allow our spirit of freedom to be dampened as we get ready to celebrate the opening of the Ground Zero site this weekend."
The FBI and Homeland Security Department issued a joint intelligence bulletin Thursday night to law enforcement around the country urging them to maintain increased security and be on the lookout for suspicious activity.
Levin said although we shouldn't live in fear, our nation must remain ready to defend against an attack that could happen at any time.
"We can't just assume that if we get by this anniversary without some kind of an attack it means that then we can just totally ignore this threat," said Levin. "This is an ongoing threat and we've got to be vigilant on an ongoing basis."
On CBS' "The Early Show," Vice President Joe Biden called the intel "a real threat," and said investigators were following every thread they could. "People should be alert, they should not alter what they're doing," he said, noting "we have significant security, local police and federal agencies working on this." (More on this story rom CBS News at this link).
