Return to Transcripts main page
CNN Live Saturday
Security Increased Around Jewish Synagogues
Aired February 08, 2003 - 16:15 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 LIN, CNN ANCHOR: Today is the first full test of how the nation will respond since President Bush raised the terror threat level to high. Already, there is heavy security around places where Jewish people meet. CNN's Jeanne Meserve is in our Washington bureau with more details. Jeanne, we are already seeing on the ground, certainly, in New York City, extra security, men with heavy armor outside of Jewish synagogues.
JEANNE MESERVE, CNN HOMELAND SECURITY CORRESPONDENT: That's right, Carol. But we have to remember that the threat level was raised because of the volume of intelligence pointing to the possibility of terrorist attacks in the U.S. One of many factors that weighed into that decision, say government sources, threats against hotels owned by Jews or frequented by Jews. The FBI did transmit a more general warning to national Jewish leaders yesterday telling them that synagogues, and community centers and businesses used by Jews could be under threat. And today, as you mentioned, on the streets of New York City, evidence of the concern.
The New York police department's Hercules team with heavy weaponry and heavy armor surrounded a synagogue during services. News that the Jewish community might be targeted met with mixed reactions.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm angry. I'm angry at the terrorists. It's too bad we have it here in this country. I'm sick and tired of it. Just -- I wish they were in one place where we could just nuke 'em or something.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We have security in here. I've asked the security department and they've heightened the security. They've laid (ph) on some extra people. What else can we do?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MESERVE: Abraham Foxman, national director of the Anti- defamation League, says Jewish institutions have always been regarded as soft targets and that many heightened security long before this latest uptick in the threat level. There are many other potential targets. Sources say intercepted communications mention subways. Here in Washington, the metro system is increasing surveillance and the number of transit police officers on its subway cars and buses.
National symbols always on the list of places terrorists might try to hit. You can see signs of increased police presence at the Capitol today and the Supreme Court. Officials cite a growing concern about al Qaeda's ability to acquire and use chemical, biological and radiological weapons.
And some state health departments are asking the medical community to be on the lookout for the effects of ricin, cyanide and organophosphates, like the nerve agents, VX and sarin, and, also, radiation exposure. In some cities, officials say they are already on a high state of alert and they do not expect to take new precautions. One official saying it's time for citizens to step up to the plate and keep their eyes and ears open. Carol, back to you.
LIN: All right. Thank you very much. Jeanne Meserve, live in Washington with an update there.
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 February 8, 2003 - 16:15 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL LIN, CNN ANCHOR: Today is the first full test of how the nation will respond since President Bush raised the terror threat level to high. Already, there is heavy security around places where Jewish people meet. CNN's Jeanne Meserve is in our Washington bureau with more details. Jeanne, we are already seeing on the ground, certainly, in New York City, extra security, men with heavy armor outside of Jewish synagogues.
JEANNE MESERVE, CNN HOMELAND SECURITY CORRESPONDENT: That's right, Carol. But we have to remember that the threat level was raised because of the volume of intelligence pointing to the possibility of terrorist attacks in the U.S. One of many factors that weighed into that decision, say government sources, threats against hotels owned by Jews or frequented by Jews. The FBI did transmit a more general warning to national Jewish leaders yesterday telling them that synagogues, and community centers and businesses used by Jews could be under threat. And today, as you mentioned, on the streets of New York City, evidence of the concern.
The New York police department's Hercules team with heavy weaponry and heavy armor surrounded a synagogue during services. News that the Jewish community might be targeted met with mixed reactions.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm angry. I'm angry at the terrorists. It's too bad we have it here in this country. I'm sick and tired of it. Just -- I wish they were in one place where we could just nuke 'em or something.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We have security in here. I've asked the security department and they've heightened the security. They've laid (ph) on some extra people. What else can we do?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MESERVE: Abraham Foxman, national director of the Anti- defamation League, says Jewish institutions have always been regarded as soft targets and that many heightened security long before this latest uptick in the threat level. There are many other potential targets. Sources say intercepted communications mention subways. Here in Washington, the metro system is increasing surveillance and the number of transit police officers on its subway cars and buses.
National symbols always on the list of places terrorists might try to hit. You can see signs of increased police presence at the Capitol today and the Supreme Court. Officials cite a growing concern about al Qaeda's ability to acquire and use chemical, biological and radiological weapons.
And some state health departments are asking the medical community to be on the lookout for the effects of ricin, cyanide and organophosphates, like the nerve agents, VX and sarin, and, also, radiation exposure. In some cities, officials say they are already on a high state of alert and they do not expect to take new precautions. One official saying it's time for citizens to step up to the plate and keep their eyes and ears open. Carol, back to you.
LIN: All right. Thank you very much. Jeanne Meserve, live in Washington with an update there.
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
