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 didnt 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 Mondays 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. Theyre active, and therefore, were 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 its 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.
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?
I can't imagine Ashcroft or GWB are getting much beauty sleep right now, regardless of any threats.
A flame-thrower?
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).
Oh, for pete's sake...
He's been working his tail off since 9/11, what do you expect?
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.
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.
Keep the analysis simple. if a=b and b=c then a=c
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.
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...
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