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CNN Live Today

Intercepted Phone Call Leads to FBI Investigation

Aired June 21, 2002 - 10:01   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: The FBI is looking into a purported terrorist threat against Las Vegas on July 4. The investigation was prompted by an ominous conversation in Arabic allegedly overheard on a cell phone.

We'll get more on this story from George Knapp of our Las Vegas affiliate, KLAS.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MICHAEL HAMDAN, LAS VEGAS RESIDENT: I heard Arabic language, Arabic words.

GEORGE KNAPP, KLAS CORRESPONDENT: Lebanese born Michael Hamdan almost hung up his cell phone on Saturday when he realized he'd somehow intercepted someone else's call as he was driving down the strip. But the fact that the unknown callers were speaking Arabic intrigued him. So he listened in for nearly two minutes, and what he heard chilled him to the core.

HAMDAN: He is saying that we are here in the city of corruption, in the city of gambling and prostitution, in the city of unbelievers. And they are talking about freedom. We are going to hit them in the day of freedom.

KNAPP: Hamdan says there was a group of Arabic speakers on one end of the call, a single person on the other end. From what was said, he guessed the group was already in Las Vegas and was planning something for the 4th of July. He reported the call to the local FBI office, was interviewed by two agents on Wednesday, and has had two follow-up contacts with the Feds since then.

HAMDAN: They took the report very seriously, and they ...

KNAPP: And with good reason. Based on tips from captured terrorist suspects, the FBI has called for a heightened state of alert over the 4th. The political and cultural significance of Independence Day, plus the gathering of large crowds would make for many inviting targets.

And Las Vegas has its own history with Islamic terrorists. Several of the September 11 hijackers were in and out of Las Vegas in the months leading up to the attacks. An FBI spokesman confirmed to us the Bureau is investigating Hamdan's intercepted phone call, trying to determine if there is a legitimate threat in the works, and that they're treating the case with serious interest. Based on the tone of the unknown voices, Hamdan thinks it could be the real deal.

HAMDAN: The day of our freedom is the 4th of July. So I said, Oh, my God, there is something is going to happen.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: So what is the credibility of this threat? We want to go to CNN Justice Department Correspondent Kelli Arena. Kelli, what is the FBI in Washington have to say about this?

KELLI ARENA, CNN JUSTICE DEPARTMENT CORRESPONDENT: Well, Carol, this morning, a spokesman at FBI headquarters confirmed to CNN that they are taking this seriously and are now trying to find confirmation of what the man says that he heard on that cell phone call.

And one official said the FBI hopes to know, -- quote -- "a lot more about it before the day is over," -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Wasn't there a general report or a general concern regarding July 4 countrywide? Can you give us an update on what's going on on that?

ARENA: Yes, Carol. Law enforcement around the country are on a state of high alert. Now, the FBI said that it's received no specific or credible information that there is a terrorist attack planned. But detainees held in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, have talked about July 4 as a holiday of interest in terms of carrying out a terrorist attack. So, it's very general in nature.

Now, the new information from the Las Vegas phone call is really the only recent development concerning July 4, whether or not they can corroborate that remains to be seen. But in general, law enforcement around the country are upping security measures to be sure that the festivities that are going to be held will be safe.

COSTELLO: All right. Kelli Arena reporting live for us from Washington. Thank you.

ARENA: You're welcome.

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