"After viewing the tape and interviewing the men, the FBI determined there was no link to terrorism explaining that the group was merely sightseeing. However, three of the four were taken into custody for a possible immigration violation."
It's not the first time, although I could've sworn there was another incident, exactly as described today, which took place closer to Philly, I just can't find it.
Middle-Eastern-looking men detained near nuclear plant
by Heidi E. Ruckno,
The Citizens' Voice
[Wilkes-Barre, PA ]
June 30, 2004
Federal and state authorities reported Tuesday that several men of Middle Eastern descent were driving around the Berwick and Shickshinny areas Tuesday looking for the nuclear power plant in Salem Township.
The five men, four from Bangladesh and another of Pakistani descent, were reportedly seen at the Delaware Water Gap rest area along Interstate 80 around 8:20 a.m. They were also spotted in Bloomsburg, Columbia County.
State police said they were asking directions to the river near the plant because they wanted to go fishing. Their minivan was pulled over by state police in Shickshinny around 11 a.m. on U.S. Route 11 in Salem Township, four miles south of the Susquehanna Steam and Electric Power Plant.
According to federal and state authorities, the Federal Bureau of Investigation was notified. Because of visa issues, two of the five men were detained by immigration authorities.
"We did stop and detain five individuals, who were believed to be of Middle Eastern descent, because of suspicious activity," FBI special agent Jerri Williams said. Their van was searched Tuesday and authorities did not find anything illegal.
All five men were released Tuesday evening. Williams said Tuesday that there was no cause for alarm, as authorities did not find any links to terrorist activity.
Both the Luzerne County Emergency Management Agency and power plant security were notified about the incident. When asked if the power plant had taken any special precautions, EMA operations and training officer Steve Bekanich said he couldn't speak for the plant.
Power plant spokesperson Joseph Scopelliti said he knew of no procedural changes resulting from the incident. "I know of nothing different," Scopelliti said. "I've seen state police vehicles up and down the highway, but that's every day. We were made aware by state police that there was a concern."
According to Scopelliti, security at the plant is normally very tight. He said that every employee must have proper identification or they will not be allowed on the grounds, and that all unknown people and vehicles and are searched and X-rayed.
"We're ready 24-7," Scopelliti said. "We're not sitting back waiting for something. Everyone that comes up here must have a business reason to come up."
Thanks for reminding us of this incident. Good to see you back here, Teri.
Thanks for posting that reminder.
You're right, this isn't the first time.