Thursday, October 06, 2005

Terror Threat Against NYC Subways




Law enforcement officials are increasing security on New York City’s subway system after receiving word of a "credible but unsubstantiated" terror threat in the coming days.

At a news conference earlier this evening at One Police Plaza, city officials said the FBI informed the NYPD of the threat, which they said originated overseas. Mayor Michael Bloomberg said it is the most specific threat the city has received to date.

According to the Associated Press, it was told by an anonymous law enforcement source the threat is "specific to place, time and method," and that the method is bombing. An FBI official who spoke at the news conference said those specifics remain classified to the public, but the mayor suggested the threat “may pass within the next few days.”

ABC News is reporting the FBI and CIA learned of the apparent terror plot from an insurgent arrested within the last few days in Iraq who revealed 19 operatives have been deployed to New York City to place improvised explosive devices in the subway system using briefcases.

As a result of the apparent threat, Police Commissioner Ray Kelly says security has been stepped up in the subway system citywide. The NYPD will continue to search passengers’ bags and backpacks, and officers are being told to pay particular attention to baby carriages, luggage and other heavy packages.

The Police Department will also flood the system with more officers, and the special Hercules anti-terror team has been dispatched to the mass transit system.

In addition, the city’s terror alert level will remain at orange, as it has been since 9/11.

"We have done and will continue to do everything we can to protect this city," said Bloomberg. “We will spare no resource, we will spare no expense. We have increased our police presence on
our subways."

Bloomberg is urging residents to remain vigilant and report any unattended packages, bags, or suspicious activities.

The mayor added he will continue to take the subway to and from work every day, and he recommended city residents do the same.

Labels: news items

Posted by @ 9:30 PM
0 comment from: