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CNN Live Today
Cities Respond to Elevated Terror Alert
Aired May 22, 2003 - 10:03 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: Death and taxes may be two inevitable realities of life, but threat of terrorism elbowing its way into the list. In a week that saw heightened terror alert and purported Al Qaeda call to arms, tensions are high and security measures even higher.
CNN's Jeanne Meserve in Washington now with more. Good morning, Jeanne.
JEANNE MESERVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
Officials say that intelligence gathered since the bombings in Saudi Arabia suggests terrorists could strike in the immediate future, within the next 48 hours. Officials say they have no specifics about location, but that the information points more toward the Gulf region than it does the United States. The undersecretary of the Department of Homeland Security mentioned threat extending beyond U.S. borders.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ASA HUTCHINSON, HOMELAND UNDERSECRETARY: There is concern worldwide as to the increased terrorist activity. We know that there is an interest in targeting the United States. Our security measures have been somewhat effective, but we know that they continue to try to exploit any vulnerabilities.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MESERVE: A U.S. government official says one factor contributing to hike in the threat level was intelligence relating to the activities of Al Qaeda members in Iran. The official called the information corroborated and credible, but said it did the not relate to specific threats with the United States.
Here in Washington, a striking symbol of the level of concern and protection, anti-aircraft missile batteries have been deployed around the city and combat air patrols over the nation's capital have been stepped up.
All around the country, airport security increased. In many places, more inspections are being done. And the FAA has suspended flights over sporting events, including this weekend's Indianapolis 500. Some officials believe it is prudent to keep the threat level at orange through the upcoming Memorial Day holiday, and some events will have special security.
Here in Washington, for instance, the U.S. Capitol Police says that sniper SWAT teams and critical emergency teams will all be at a concert on the grounds of the capital. Chief Terrence Gainer saying a visible police presence is a deterrent to terrorists.
Carol, back to you.
COSTELLO: Jeanne Meserve, reporting live from Washington this morning.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Aired May 22, 2003 - 10:03 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Death and taxes may be two inevitable realities of life, but threat of terrorism elbowing its way into the list. In a week that saw heightened terror alert and purported Al Qaeda call to arms, tensions are high and security measures even higher.
CNN's Jeanne Meserve in Washington now with more. Good morning, Jeanne.
JEANNE MESERVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
Officials say that intelligence gathered since the bombings in Saudi Arabia suggests terrorists could strike in the immediate future, within the next 48 hours. Officials say they have no specifics about location, but that the information points more toward the Gulf region than it does the United States. The undersecretary of the Department of Homeland Security mentioned threat extending beyond U.S. borders.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ASA HUTCHINSON, HOMELAND UNDERSECRETARY: There is concern worldwide as to the increased terrorist activity. We know that there is an interest in targeting the United States. Our security measures have been somewhat effective, but we know that they continue to try to exploit any vulnerabilities.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MESERVE: A U.S. government official says one factor contributing to hike in the threat level was intelligence relating to the activities of Al Qaeda members in Iran. The official called the information corroborated and credible, but said it did the not relate to specific threats with the United States.
Here in Washington, a striking symbol of the level of concern and protection, anti-aircraft missile batteries have been deployed around the city and combat air patrols over the nation's capital have been stepped up.
All around the country, airport security increased. In many places, more inspections are being done. And the FAA has suspended flights over sporting events, including this weekend's Indianapolis 500. Some officials believe it is prudent to keep the threat level at orange through the upcoming Memorial Day holiday, and some events will have special security.
Here in Washington, for instance, the U.S. Capitol Police says that sniper SWAT teams and critical emergency teams will all be at a concert on the grounds of the capital. Chief Terrence Gainer saying a visible police presence is a deterrent to terrorists.
Carol, back to you.
COSTELLO: Jeanne Meserve, reporting live from Washington this morning.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
