NYC Warned of 'Emergency' Threat (Scary)

ABC News ^ | June 20, 2002

[max_rpf]

NYC on Alert for Emergency Vehicle Car Bombs

N E W   Y O R K, June 20 — Police and fire officials in New York are being warned that terrorists may be trying to acquire surplus or replica emergency vehicles to use as car bombs that could be planted near government buildings or landmarks without drawing attention.

A law enforcement source confirmed a report in The New York Daily News today that officials were alerted to the plot when two unidentified Middle Eastern men tried to buy a replica ambulance at a northern New Jersey shop that builds copies of emergency vehicles, police cars and fire trucks.

The owner of the shop became suspicious when the men tried to pay cash, and the pair fled without leaving any identification, the source told the News.

"This is a real concern. Terrorists have used ambulances to sneak suicide bombers into areas," the souce told the newspaper.

Among the sites officials fear could be targeted are City Hall, FBI offices, police department headquarters and even fire department facilities.

Fire department and police investigators have already begun efforts to ensure that unauthorized people cannot gain access to facilities where emergency vehicles are stored or repaired, fire department sources told the News.

"We've been told to watch our vehicles, all our vehicles," a fire department source said. "It's the vehicles that can get into areas that we are really concerned about. Who is not going to let a patrol car pass, or an ambulance, especially if we are in a state of emergency?"

The alert comes as the city is gearing up for July Fourth festivities, which generally draw huge crowds to fireworks displays around Manhattan.

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

Whew. Thank God for the Second Amendment so normal folks can defend—wait, this is New York. Never mind.

Depending upon what happens in the next months/years, this may change considerable, with or without the consent of the legislature there.

[Aliska]

aren't the sharpest pencils in the box, are a few bricks shy of a full load, their elevators don't quite go to the top floor.

Don't count on it. They will learn from their mistakes. Will we?

[max_rpf]

Another upper left sider! It is nice to know that I am not alone up here!

[Pharmboy]

This is a tactic borrowed from the anti-Israel campaign. Don't be surprised if they do not borrow a few others.

[TxBec]

the lights are flashing, the guardrail is down, but there is no train :)

[Aliska]

Also, if you are a business owner BUY A DIGITAL CAMERA and take shots of anyone that you think is suspicious.

Granddaughter's friend worked in a local gas station owned by Arabs. She was held up at gunpoint. She asked them to put in a camera. They refused. She quit.

[Pharmboy]

I'm on the yupper other side of town...

[Pharmboy]

I'm on the yupper other side of town...

[Travis McGee]

True, they are not very smart, but they don't need to be.

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

I have to say that I think that when we are thinking of future terrorist plots we should overlay 'Dr. Evil' on our assumption of how these people think. Next thing you know they will be trying to build a giant "Laser".

They would pick emergency workers to deliver the next attack, it is so 'diabolical'.

Good points. These jokers are diabolical, to be sure, but not necessarily very clever. I for one can't wait for the US government to declare the hunting season open.

[GingisK]

Do you think they have that same will to commit suicide that the middle eastern terrorists have?

Drive it in, park it, set the timer, walk away. Back to play another day. Not all of those thugs are senseless.

[NautiNurse]

Why does this shop build 'replicas' anyway.

That was my question first question too. I seem to recall this terrorist concern soon after 9-11 as well.

[swarthyguy]

I hope not but the indoctrination process is very severe. And even if not blondes, then spanish heritage or black americans converts could do a convincing job as well.

[max_rpf]

The solution then is old-west style wanted posters, complete with rewards. Those gang-bangers might just find a more rewarding business model. Print a full sheet in the Daily News...

[swarthyguy]

I think you need a vacation in Kashmir.

[Lower55]

"God, I love Pork" would be a good password.

[Julliardsux]

BEWARE OF ICE CREAM TRUCKS... I was thinking yesterday how they get no scrutiny, are parked there all day, right on wall street area.

[freeper12]

IMO, how these will be used (if indeed it does happen) is as a follow-up bombing...picture this, a bomb is set off someplace (i.e. a regular truck bomb), the fbi, atf, police, fire respond etc.

While all those safety/law enforcement people are scrambling to perform their duties, thats when the second dummy ambulance/fire-engine rolls in and blows up...while everyones guard is down and they expect to see emergency vehicles racing to the scene..

Just a thought.

[Howlin]

Stay safe.

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

I think you need a vacation in Kashmir.

Thanks, but I'm a home boy.