Posted on 10/29/2001 3:30:11 PM PST by Lady GOP
— Attorney General John Ashcroft warned Monday that the FBI has received information about possible attacks “within the United States and against United States interests abroad within the next week.” He didn’t give details on what the planned attacks might be, but asked Americans and law enforcement officials to be on their highest guard. The alert was similar to one issued on Oct. 11, in which the FBI said it had gathered “certain information” that additional terrorism attacks could occur within days. None did.
ASHCROFT SAYS the new warning is believed to be “credible,” and as a result the Justice Department has issued a “terrorist threat advisory” to 18,000 law enforcement agencies across the country, urging them to be on high alert for possible terrorism.
While the information investigators received indicated the time frame of the possible attacks, it did not include specific details as to where or what they might be.
When asked by reporters if this warning was believed to be more credible than the Oct. 11 warning, Ashcroft would only repeat his earlier words, “We believe this threat is credible.”
A senior U.S. official told NBC News that Monday’s warning is based on “new information” developed by U.S. intelligence that is different from what led to the Oct. 11 warning.
Ashcroft and FBI Director Robert Mueller asked Americans to report any suspicious activity, and to be understanding if they encounter tighter security measures. “We urge Americans in the course of their normal activities to remain alert and to report unusual circumstances and inappropriate behavior to the appropriate authorities,” Ashcroft said.
Earlier Monday, President Bush was asked if the government has information that Osama bin Laden, the chief suspect in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, is planning a second wave of attacks against the United States, and said, “We believe that the country must stay on alert, that our enemies still hate us,” Bush said. “Our enemies have no values that regard life as precious. They’re active, and therefore, we’re constantly in touch with our law enforcement officials to be prepared.”
But Bush urged people not to halt their usual activities. “The American public must go about their lives. I understand it’s a fine balance,” Bush said.
CLOSER POLICE LINKS
Also earlier in the day, Mueller acknowledged that some FBI agents have wrongly turned down offers of police help with the Sept. 11 investigation and pledged to intensify cooperation with police on the largest terrorism case in U.S. history.
Addressing a gathering of the International Association of Police Chiefs in Toronto, Mueller spoke of expanding anti-terror task forces around the United States and said he and Ashcroft had been working closely with police representatives to “explore ways to improve relations.”
“I learned that in some cases, the FBI was turning away your offers of help. This is unacceptable,” Mueller said to resounding applause from police representing forces in all 50 states, Canada and Europe.
Police officials at the annual gathering have voiced frustration over the sometimes-difficult relationships between the law enforcement agencies.
At a seminar Monday on reacting to terrorist attacks, Mike Berkow, chief of the Irvine, Calif., police department, mentioned a case in which his officials sought information from the CIA about a suspect with possible international links. When Berkow added that the response was unhelpful, the roomful of police chiefs erupted in a knowing chuckle.
I'm a bit uncomfortable about all the press and advanced notice of Bush's planned attendance at the game tonight.
That was the impression I got. I didn't even need to hear what he had to say. I just thought, "oh sh--." I hope I'm wrong.
Heard on the radio a bit ago that the monitored threat (precipitating the new warning) referred to "the big event." That reinforces the theory that this is part of a long-planned strategy. 1. They plan for years for 9/11. 2. They count on a US response. 3. They plan for years for that counter-response. . ..
They did not know where game three of the World Series would be a year or two ago. Sure, the World Series could be a target of opportunity, as is anyplace a lot of people are . . . But I don't think this warning is related to the World Series. Bush may be safer there than in DC!
Whatever it is, it is likely something that they have been planning for a while. Let's hope (and pray) the feds et al follow all the bread crumb trails quickly enough to thwart the plan!
I'm sure you've long ago tried, but I'll not take [it] for granted & ask you anyway if you've asked Alamo Girl??
-BTTT-
That would track with the "big event" comment. And point to a strategic target. Federal level? Is that why traces of anthrax have been found in the past day or two in almost ALL important gov't agencies? Wouldn't that account for why Ashcroft looked "ashen" (sorry for the pun . . .)?
Not that mass casualties of civilians in a city would not be horrible enough. But it is these guys' responsibility to keep our gov't funcitoning, and maintain a functional chain of command for response. That is serious business, so they would be serious about a threat at that level . . .
Anyway, I pray they are prepared for an instant response if it is something that they can't stop. But I am not convinved it can't be stopped. Whatever it is!!
I can't locate the specific FR thread, but here's the html-challenged link to the article "Why airline security failed; Gore commission study material still classified" from World Net Daily:
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=24840
Currently in the absence of a quorum NOTHING can legally happen. TOTAL SHUTDOWN.
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