FBI Issues New Terrorism Warning
By Karen Gullo
Associated Press Writer
Monday, Oct. 29, 2001; 6:13 p.m. EST
WASHINGTON –– The FBI issued a new terrorism warning Monday
asking Americans and law enforcement to be on the highest alert for
possible attacks this week in the United States and abroad.
The alert was based on new information that was deemed credible but was
"not specific as to intended targets or as to intended methods," FBI Director
Robert Mueller said.
The warning went out to 18,000 law enforcement agencies.
"The administration has concluded based on information developed that
there may be additional terrorist attacks within the United States and against
United States interests over the next week," Attorney General John
Ashcroft said.
He said that while the information was not specific, the FBI was issuing the
alert to the American people because "they can make good judgments and
can understand this kind of information."
The attorney general asked citizens to be patient if they encounter additional
security measures and to note any suspicious activities.
"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," he said.
Mueller and Ashcroft declined to discuss the nature or source of the
information that prompted the warning, saying only that it was deemed
credible.
Ashcroft canceled plans to travel to Toronto to address a conference of
police chiefs.
The alert is the second this month. On Oct. 11 the FBI said it had gathered
"certain information" that additional terrorism attacks could occur within
days.
Earlier Monday, President Bush was asked whether the government
expected more attacks from groups associated with Osama bin Laden, the
primary suspect in the Sept. 11 suicide hijackings. Bush said, "We believe
the country must stay on alert, that our enemies still hate us."
Underscoring the balancing act that officials face in warning the public but
not inciting panic, Bush urged people not to stop their daily activities.
"The American public must go about their lives. I understand it's a fine
balance," Bush said. |
