LAPD has arrested 200 terror-related suspects
By Mariel Garza
Staff Writer LA Daily News
Wednesday, August 20, 2003 - Los Angeles police have detained about 200 people believed to have connections to foreign terrorists, Police Chief William Bratton said Wednesday during a morning call-in radio program.
Bratton characterized those arrested as a "variety of individuals we feel have some connection to issues of terrorism."
He said the arrests were made in conjunction with federal agents and it is unclear whether they will face terrorism-related charges.
"Our philosophy is get them before they get us," Bratton said. "So if I can get them on an immigration violation, anything, we're going to get them."
Previously, LAPD counter-terrorism head John Miller has said there are people affiliated with al-Qaida in Los Angeles who have set up support networks and raised money for attacks.
U.S Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., also warned of the ongoing threat of terrorism during an address she gave Wednesday to the West Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce.
She said that there are thousands of al-Qaida operatives around the world, and many in the state.
"I can't tell you how many because it's classified information," Feinstein said. "But if I told you the number of terrorist cells in this country, you would be shocked."
Feinstein also complained that California is still not getting its fair share of Homeland Security funding to prepare for domestic terrorism, pointing out that Wisconsin has been funded at about $35 per person, while California has been granted about $5 per person in the state to pay for security
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