Posted on 07/11/2002 2:06:21 PM PDT by jbstrick
Pasadena Put On Terrorist Threat Alert Residents React To Possible Threat Posted: 10:15 a.m. CDT July 11, 2002 Updated: 1:12 p.m. CDT July 11, 2002
PASADENA, Texas -- Houston-area authorities confirmed Wednesday night that Pasadena may be the target of a terrorist plot scheduled to take place on Friday.
Pasadena Residents Speak Out Local Law Enforcement Heeds Warning
The terror plot was originally believed to be against Pasadena, Calif., but city officials there said that Texas is believed to be the intended target.
California authorities said that they received word of the threat a couple of days ago.
"It was hinted to us that it was directed at oil refineries," said spokeswoman Janet Pope with the Pasadena Police Department in California. "The only thing that we could think of is that there are no oil refineries in Pasadena, Calif. The next logical step was to think about Pasadena, Texas, and pass on the information."
The information was passed on to local law enforcement officials and the FBI, which have confirmed that they have been notified about the possible threat.
"We take every threat seriously, and in response to this latest threat," said Harris County Sheriff's Department spokesman Lt. Robert Van Pelt. "We've increased our presence in the unincorporated areas of Harris County, particularly the refineries, the chemical plants and the Port of Houston."
Officials are keeping tight-lipped about the details of the terrorist plot, except to say that the intended date is Friday.
Baytown police officials confirmed that one of the suspects expected to carry out the plot could be living in the Houston area.
Law enforcement officials have already set up a command post, and have notified local refiners.
"Shell Deerpark remains on high alert," Shell Oil Co. spokeswoman Lois Guthrie said. "We are continuing to share security information with the FBI, U.S. Coast Guard, local law enforcement and our industrial neighbors. We have also alerted all of our employees."
Refinery workers said that they are concerned and taking the threat seriously.
"They warned us," refinery worker Michael Kelly said. "They said that there might be threats, (to) just be careful, take precautions, and to make sure that if you see anybody weird, report it."
Pasadena Residents React Many Pasadena residents said that the news of the terrorist threat is making them feel uneasy, and leaves them thinking about what to do next.
"Maybe I'll stay out of Pasadena," said resident Rick Marron. "You can never tell where it's going to hit or when it's going to hit."
"We're on our way out of town right now, so maybe that's a good thing," resident Natalie Young said.
Some Pasadena residents said that living near refiners has taught them to be on guard and prepared for explosions and chemical leaks.
"We were always aware that this could be a target," resident Jim Young said. "You just have to keep focused. (Terrorists) want to interrupt your lifestyle, and we're not going to do that."
Copyright 2002 by Click2Houston.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Translation: Nothing will happen on Friday.
Y'all stay out of view so I don't have to report you. And me. . . I may avoid the Fred Hartman and 610 bridges Friday.
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Race - ping!
DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY LINKS TO ARTICLES OF ARABS TAKING PICTURES OF DAMS, BLDS, CHEMICAL PLANTS, ETC?
My thought also. Hell I'd just wait until something goes up on it's own and claim credit.
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