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Ashcroft Warns of Attacks
msnbc.com ^ | Oct. 29 2001 | MSNBC’s Jonathan Dube, NBC News’ Bob Windrem andThe Associated Press and Reuters

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.


TOPICS: Breaking News; News/Current Events
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To: Tacis
LOOK AT THE BAGS UNDERNEATH THOSE EYES! We're in deep crap!


41 posted on 10/29/2001 4:18:52 PM PST by hawaiian
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To: abwehr
Well, since the west coast hasn't been hit yet (though they wanted to hit it) ...it wouldn't surprise me if the west coast is where the next incident might hit.
42 posted on 10/29/2001 4:20:08 PM PST by piasa
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Comment #43 Removed by Moderator

To: FUSSBALL
A Thanksgiving attack would also be touching...and it's such an "American" holiday. Macy's parade is that day too
44 posted on 10/29/2001 4:22:39 PM PST by Eowyn-of-Rohan
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To: Agent Smith
The current threat is much more serious/dangerous than anything to date. A suitcase nuke on the loose in the USA was the level of concern that I detected.

If this occurs, will we be then ready to round up hundreds of thousands of non-citizen aliens, and send them back to their countries of origin, or to internment camps?

45 posted on 10/29/2001 4:22:53 PM PST by truth_seeker
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To: hawaiian
LOOK AT THE BAGS UNDERNEATH THOSE EYES! We're in deep crap!

I can't imagine Ashcroft or GWB are getting much beauty sleep right now, regardless of any threats.

46 posted on 10/29/2001 4:24:39 PM PST by Clinton's a rapist
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To: hawaiian
LOOK AT THE BAGS UNDERNEATH THOSE EYES! We're in deep crap!

No need to worry: Those are time-released, subcutaneous Cipro patches under his eyes.
47 posted on 10/29/2001 4:27:59 PM PST by Bush2000
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To: CWRWinger
One thing I noticed from the last photo of the terrorist Mohammed Atta entering the airport was that he appeared to be wearing white gloves. Did anyone else notice this? I told my hubby the day I saw this, but I have heard nothing from the media about this. It seems to me, that this creep was wearing gloves because the condition of his hands would draw attention to the fact that he was playing with anthrax prior to his suicide/murders. Can you believe the FBI did not even check his car or apartment for the presence of anthrax? I pray that they are doing a better job than it appears on the surface.
48 posted on 10/29/2001 4:28:10 PM PST by okiedokie
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To: verity
What type of firearm would you use against an anthrax-filled envelope?

A flame-thrower?

49 posted on 10/29/2001 4:30:55 PM PST by pocat
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To: Scythian
What will it take for Americans to deport A-rabs and to require a pledge of allegiance---under penalty of death if the oath is violated by treason---of all American citizens?

A small-pox epidemic? The nuking of a U.S. city? What? An event like these, or something similar, will send the world into a depression that will destroy the world economy as we know it, destabilize all nations, and would most likely lead to the fall of the USA as we know it (barring a miracle).

50 posted on 10/29/2001 4:45:58 PM PST by gg188
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To: hawaiian
LOOK AT THE BAGS UNDERNEATH THOSE EYES! We're in deep crap!

Oh, for pete's sake...

He's been working his tail off since 9/11, what do you expect?

51 posted on 10/29/2001 4:47:25 PM PST by Dan Day
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To: pocat
An Amana Radarange
52 posted on 10/29/2001 4:50:32 PM PST by backtobasics
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To: dmcnash
Isn't there an old big band hit called "Satan takes a holiday"?
53 posted on 10/29/2001 5:25:52 PM PST by newzjunkey
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To: Lady GOP
So do we move into smallpox territory? It's about a month too early to spread it during the holiday shopping season. There's probably big film openings that might be targets if the terrorists want to hit kids--consider with the media information they have to know young parents with young children would be the most vulnerable to smallpox exposure. Smallpox seems unlikely.

What about the missing trucks? Is it time for those to appear and be used--car bombs, truck bombs? We, if that's the case, all bets are pretty much off on potential targets. Other than avoiding tourism to high profile, especially gov't, places... really there's nothing one can do to prepare.

Crop dusters spraying during Halloween evening? Unlikely and, at least in this neighborhood, there's virtually no sign of Halloween and I'm not expecting to see many kids. Maybe block parties, such as the one mentioned in this thread, would be more likely targets than simple neighborhoods. Crop dusters, not too likely.

I wonder if it's coincidental that Bush is going out to the World Series the week we have a credible terrorist threat. It as if he's saying, "Here I am." And putting on good face for the American people saying, "I'm not afraid to do normal things and you shouldn't be either."

Don't forget to wash your hands after handling snail mail. Keep your heads down, eyes open and go about your regular business. I'm off to the movies.

54 posted on 10/29/2001 5:36:55 PM PST by newzjunkey
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To: gg188
Yes, a suitcase nuke would change the world as we know it. Just look at the results from the twin-towers being "brought low into the dust." Unfortunately, we are a house of cards. Another tremor like the New York atrocity and we will take the most extreme measures available to us. Look how jumpy everyone is here tonight; white powder on daycare centers, planes diverted, etc. I am a nervous wreck every time someone cuts in for a special news break. It is troubling to see the UN will be calling many of our shots now. Bush needs to retain the lead. We need to do what needs to be done. Like Tony Blair said, we need to deal with the Iraqi problem, NOW! The unthinkable has been thought of, planned, and is in our own backyard, tonight.
55 posted on 10/29/2001 5:42:51 PM PST by stonechisel
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To: El Gato
I belive the time has come for the President to declare that all non-federal gun controls, including laws against wearing sidearms, are null and void.

Not a chance. Not even airline pilots. Expanding American freedom is NOT part of the response to "terrorism." Extending federal powers over American citizens IS part of the response.

56 posted on 10/29/2001 6:06:05 PM PST by Jefferson Adams
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To: FUSSBALL
The only reason I think something is going to happen on Halloween is because it is a demonic type holiday. What more appropriate than the demonic individuals participate in a truely demonic celebration.

Keep the analysis simple. if a=b and b=c then a=c

57 posted on 10/29/2001 6:18:34 PM PST by GoreNoMore
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To: Dog Gone; republicandiva
I don't recall exactly when the anthrax letters were mailed. My recollection is that it was about a week after WTC.

The first was received September 18, but it was later revealed that at least three (Brokaw, Daschle, Post) were postmarked September 11, the day of the attack. Could have been mailed the night before or someone else may have mailed them.

58 posted on 10/29/2001 6:28:42 PM PST by afraidfortherepublic
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To: afraidfortherepublic
Thanks! I knew someone would have a better memory than me.
59 posted on 10/29/2001 6:31:15 PM PST by Dog Gone
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To: El Gato
I belive the time has come for the President to declare that all non-federal gun controls, including laws against wearing sidearms, are null and void.

Another alternative would be to declare all (or almost all) federal laws null and void. Then the terrorist and criminal types would flock to the states with the worst gun laws. At that point, they would be easier to track down.

Just an idea...

60 posted on 10/29/2001 6:34:54 PM PST by meyer
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