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CNN Live Today
Terror Plot to Bring Down Planes
Aired August 10, 2006 - 11:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: I'm Daryn Kagan.
Welcome to the second hour of CNN LIVE TODAY.
Let's get back to our rolling coverage on the alleged terror plot that has been foiled. Let's start by taking a look at what we know right now.
Raids continue in Britain, where officials say the plot was uncovered. British authorities say 21 people are in custody this morning. They're accused of plotting to blow up flights from the U.K. to the U.S.
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff says the plot involved liquid explosives. A senior U.S. official tells CNN the plan involved substances that could be mixed to cause an explosion.
The U.S. raised the terror alert level for all flights as a precaution. Liquids and gels are banned in all carry-on bags. The extra security is causing delays at airports across the country and in Britain.
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Attorney General Alberto Gonzales say the alleged plot was well advanced and suggestive of al Qaeda. They spoke at a news conference just a few hours ago.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ALBERTO GONZALES, U.S. ATTORNEY GENERAL: The perpetrators who were arrested overnight were extremists who had gone beyond just stating a desire to kill Americans. Their plotting turned to action as they took several steps to carry out their deadly plan. Their focus appears to have been on the use of liquid explosives. We are assessing the links to al Qaeda.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MICHAEL CHERTOFF, HOMELAND SECURITY SECRETARY: In light of the nature of the liquid explosive devices which were designed by the plotters, we are temporarily banding -- banning all liquids as carry- ons in aircraft cabins. That means no liquids or gels will be allowed in carry-on baggage.
Any liquids or gels have to be checked as part of baggage to go into the hold. There will be exceptions for baby formula and medicines, but travelers must be prepared to present these items for inspection at the checkpoint.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KAGAN: So there you have the Homeland Security chief. We're also expecting any minute to hear from the mayor of New York City, Mayor Bloomberg. You'll see that live on CNN.
Right now let's go ahead and check in with our chief national correspondent, John King, who's been working his sources in Washington.
John, good morning again.
JOHN KING, CNN CHIEF NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning again to you, Daryn.
You hear those ominous public statements from the attorney general, from the Homeland Security secretary. You get even a more frightening, sober sense when you talk to officials in private.
In private, they say they have more conclusive intelligence of al Qaeda links, although they won't share exactly what it is. And in private, they describe what they believe to be the greatest terrorist threat against this country and against its citizens since 9/11, essentially saying that the terrorists that they've arrested, the 21 people you mentioned arrested in Great Britain, have the sophistication to use liquids that you can buy at a hardware store, at a garden store, perhaps at the supermarket, and to mix them in a way to make small IEDs, improvised electronic devices.
Now, according to one U.S. intelligence official involved in counterterrorism, what we're talking about are things you can get on to an airplane without raising suspicions. What makes it frightening is the sophistication to turn relatively common materials into a dangerous IED.
Now, the plan, the plot allegedly was to detonate these devices, assemble them on the airplanes and detonate them over the Atlantic. The goal, to cause structural damage to the airplane or to create a catastrophic fire on the airplane when it is obviously out over the middle of the ocean, very difficult for the pilot to bring it in for a safe landing if there's any significant damage on board.
Why are officials saying in private they believe you can trace this back to al Qaeda ultimately? Number one, they say the sophistication.
It takes highly sophisticated training to be able to develop and to implement and to build, essentially assemble on the fly, these electronic devices. Also, they say this is very reminiscent, this plot, of an al Qaeda plot to detonate about a dozen airplanes over the Pacific Ocean back in the 1990s. And they say it is an al Qaeda trademark, to go back to things that they are comfortable with, that they have studied. Obviously, the aviation industry is part of that.
A reminder, Daryn. Many in this country are saying that the terrorist s are studying every step the United States and other countries take to improve airport security, other counterterrorism measures that the terrorists are studying and they're trying to find ways around them. And why now? We're told by a number of sources that the British intelligence services have been watching this for months, they decided they had to act overnight because they believe this threat was imminent.
They won't tell us exactly why they think that, but others have suggested to look for the possible purchase of airline tickets, a possible communication to the broad members of the group. But they say -- the British intelligence officials are telling the United States they had to act last night because they thought this was imminent -- Daryn.
KAGAN: John, what are your sources telling you about how much coordination between Britain and the U.S. on this?
KING: Sources are telling myself, our national security producer, Pam Benson (ph) -- Jeanne Meserve has been on the air with this all morning, that there's unprecedented back-and-forth cooperation, mostly in the past two to three weeks. The British have been investigating this for some time, and we are told that there were some contacts back and forth, essentially sharing names, asking questions between British intelligence services, U.S. intelligence services, and other global intelligence services.
But in the past two weeks or so, when the Brits became convinced that this was a specific plot to attack six to 10 airliners on their way across the Atlantic Ocean to the United States, at that point it became much more daily, minute to minute, back and forth. And officials are saying it's unprecedented cooperation.
U.S. officials going out of the way to say that the Brits took the lead on this and that they did an extraordinary job. But they say there has been remarkable, they say, unprecedented cooperation, again, especially over the past two weeks.
KAGAN: John King in Washington.
John, thank you.
And with this story, you're hearing a lot about the color alert system. That system was devised after the September 11th terror attacks. Let's review here.
Orange is the second highest level. It means risk of an attack is high. The last time there was an orange alert was July 2005, after the London subway bombing. Right now, the orange alert applies to all commercial flights flying in or to the U.S., and that means the stricter airport security rules.
For flights inbound from the U.K., the level is at unprecedented red, or severe. The terror threat alert for the nation as a whole remains at yellow, or elevated. That's pretty much how it's been and the norm since the system was created. Jeanne Meserve knows these only too well. She's our homeland security correspondent, and she has the latest from Washington as well this morning -- Jeanne.
JEANNE MESERVE, CNN HOMELAND SECURITY CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.
Here are the kinds of things you're going to be seeing.
In the U.S., if you want to take a gel or liquid in a carry-on or in your hand on to an airplane, you are not going to be able to do it. They are going to tell you to repack it into your checked baggage or they are going to take it away from you. No liquids on gels being allowed on to aircraft in the United States as of early hours of this morning.
If you are traveling from Britain, more likely to have a federal air marshal on that flight. And you are not going to be able to take electronics on that flight, as well as liquids. They are urging that those things be put into your checked luggage.
When you get into the United States, on any international flight, you're going to see an increased Customs and Border Protection presence. They will have K-9 teams, explosive detection devices and more on the ground to meet you as they ratchet up this security.
These, of course, are the things can you see. Officials assure us that there are many other things that you will not be able to see.
Why did they take these precautions? Well, it's because they aren't absolutely sure that they have arrested everybody who might be connected with this plot and because they are wary of the possibility that someone might want to copycat the plot which has been described this morning -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Jeanne, I have a question for you, but I do want to bring our viewers the latest information.
President Bush has moved up the time that he does expect to speak. It was 12:30 p.m. Eastern. Now we're expecting to hear from him right before the noon hour.
Back to Jeanne.
On these color alerts, how effective do officials think they are? And do people really understand? I mean, we just did our own little review there, but when officials use them, do they expect that the public understands right away, oh, we're at orange, we're at yellow, that people automatically know what that means?
MESERVE: Well, you know, we've been through this drill at least up to threat level orange a couple of times. I think most people probably do have some comprehension if they travel by air exactly what the difference is going to entail.
You know, it's not that complicated a system. There are only five levels here. We've never been below yellow since the system was implemented.
So, you know, it's just not really that tough to comprehend. So I think -- I think people can get it, and, of course, they're posting information. They're using us to get it out to you. In addition, if you check the TSA Web site or the Department of Homeland Security Web site, there are more specifics about the bans and exactly the kinds of steps they are taking today.
KAGAN: Jeanne Meserve in Washington.
Jeanne, thank you.
This heightened security means more restrictions and waiting for travelers all across the U.S. The Transportation Security Administration says no liquids -- this is some of what Jeanne was telling you -- or gels will be permitted in carry-on baggage. And that includes beverages, as well as creams and lotions, also items like toothpaste, shampoo, hair gels. Can't bring them.
Your baby formula and medicine must be presented for inspection at security checkpoints. Passengers traveling from the U.K. to the U.S. face even tougher restrictions than that.
And to get an idea of that and what's happening at a major American airport, our Alina Cho is standing by at JFK in New York.
Alina, good morning.
ALINA CHO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Daryn, good morning to you.
If you are planning to fly out of any U.S. airport today, including JFK, you will have to get here early and you will have to be patient. There is increased security, as you might expect, and long lines.
A little bit more about those restrictions that you were just talking about. And remember, this is only for carry-on luggage.
No liquids or gels will be allowed on to the plane as a carry-on. That includes beverages, lotion, shampoos, hair gel, toothpaste, even perfume. Essentially, if you have a toiletry kit that you want to carry on with you, think again. You'll have to put that in your checked luggage.
Some exceptions that bear repeating, baby formula and medicine. But you might have to, upon going through a security checkpoint, you might have to verify the authenticity of those items.
Now, passengers we spoke to are expressing a range of emotions, including concern. A lot of them are concerned. But a lot of them, too, are taking all of this in stride.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You know, I just know it's going to be a long day. Hopefully there's nothing going to be suspicious in my luggage. They're going to open it up and call me back, and hopefully that will allow me on the flight.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'm quite tired and I'm a bit worried about the delays. And it's, you know, quite disturbing, really, about what's going on. But, I mean, at least it's something positive, they foiled this attack. But it's still quite unsettling.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
CHO: Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff says if you are planning to fly out of a U.S. airport today, no real need to change your plans. Just remember to try to get here early and remember that you cannot carry on any liquid or gels.
The headline again, Daryn, get here early. Remember to pack lightly if you can.
A lot of passengers expressing concern. A few of them have said they think this might be an overreaction. Of course, government officials will say that they act out of an abundance of caution. We hear that quite frequently.
But so far, Daryn, we've not heard anyone say they plan on canceling their plans today.
KAGAN: Are most people showing up aware of what's happening, at least?
CHO: You know, it depends on who you ask. As the day goes on, of course, people are hearing the news. And they're arriving at the airport aware of what's going on.
The people who aren't have said, "Yes, this is a bit of an inconvenience. I have to repack my bag." But rest assured that those people who arrive at the airport, at JFK and across the country, if they don't arrive here knowing the news, they're going to be told in short order. They're making announcements to passengers and they're even telling them one by one.
KAGAN: And then, of course, I'm sure they're watching CNN all over the airport once they're inside.
Thank you, Alina.
CHO: That's right.
KAGAN: Well, this is the perfect time to talk about our I- Report. If you are caught at the airport, caught in the turmoil this morning, why don't you make use of that cell phone or camera and then e-mail us your video and pictures.
Just go to cnn.com, send an I-Report, and join the world's most powerful news team.
Details on exactly how to do that online at cnn.com.
The terror plot unfolding with world leaders out of the office but not out of touch. President Bush interrupts his stay at his Texas ranch. He had already planned to go to Green Bay, Wisconsin, today. This trip on his calendar, but he'll have something to say about the plane plot when he speaks.
That has now been moved up to 11:50 a.m. Eastern. We're working on bringing that speech to you live.
A senior administration official says President Bush personally approved raising the terror alert yesterday. The official added that Mr. Bush has been in frequent contact with British Prime Minister Tony Blair. In fact, Mr. Blair telephoned the Bush ranch in the middle of the night to tell the president about the arrests.
Prime Minister Blair is vacationing today. He is on the Caribbean island of Barbados with his wife and children. He had already delayed his three-week holiday due to the Middle East crisis. Aides point out that like President Bush, Mr. Blair has immediate access to secure communications.
Heathrow airport in gridlock. A terror investigation in high gear.
Coming up, a veteran cop who has investigated both terrorism and plane crashes. His insights on what you face today at the airport.
Also, as I mentioned, President Bush expected to speak in about a half hour. We're working on getting that for you live.
You're watching CNN, the most trusted name in news.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: Just past the quarter hour. Want to let you know we're standing by. Mayor Bloomberg of New York City expected to speak any minute. We will be watching that for those live comments.
Also, President Bush expected to speak from Wisconsin in just over a half hour.
While we do that, let's go to Baltimore. Airport officials there talking about things happening at that airport.
Let's listen in.
(JOINED IN PROGRESS)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That's what we hope we leave you with.
This all happened very quickly. The first call that I received was from Chief McIlhaney (ph). I think it was 1:31 last night. The governor was briefed some time around 2:00 and 2:30, and Governor Ehrlich said to put in place everything that we needed to for public safety.
We are also working very closely with our federal law enforcement partners. That would be FBI, DHS and TSA -- of course, the Transportation Security Authority.
TSA has ramped up its security here at BWI. Some of the things that you will notice, you may have noticed when you came in, more police patrol out front here with the lights on. You may have seen the command vehicle that Chief McIlhaney (ph) put in place. And he'll talk more about that.
We want to make it clear that we are having some delays. We understand that.
Piers A, B, C and E have been running pretty smoothly. Our problem was pretty much only with Pier D. That's where you saw the long lines.
Around 10:30, those lines subsided quite a bit. And if you walked in there now, there's virtually no line. So...
KAGAN: So those are officials at BWI, the airport in Baltimore. They're talking about what they faced today.
Basically, if you go to any airport in America today, you are going to face increased lines and special security rules, which we'll get to over the point of our coverage.
We are expecting to hear from a number of officials, including Mayor Bloomberg of New York City. He's expected to speak very soon, and President Bush will speak in about a half hour. He's in Wisconsin today.
You'll see all of that here on CNN.
Meanwhile, as we're about 18 minutes past the hour, let's tell you what we know right now about this alleged terror plot that's been foiled.
Raids continue in Britain, where officials say the plot was uncovered. British authorities say 21 people are in custody this morning. They are accused of plotting to blow up flights from the U.K. to the U.S.
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff says the plot involved liquid explosives. A senior U.S. official tells CNN that the plan involved substances that could be mixed to cause an explosion.
We expect to hear from President Bush about the alleged plot this hour. And he will make those White House remarks at about 11:50 Eastern. And we're working on bringing that to you live here on CNN.
Meanwhile, let's go to one of the airports in the world that has been impacted the most, that is London's Heathrow airport.
Joining me now, Adrian Finighan live from there.
Adrian, hello.
ADRIAN FINIGHAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Daryn, good morning, once again, from Heathrow, of course one of the world's busiest airports, even busier than normal, because, of course, this is August. It's the peak holiday season. Something like 186,000 passengers a day would normally be passing through this airport, but today it's been eerily quiet.
Within the last hour or so, the main runway behind me here has become -- has been -- seeing a lot more aircraft activity. It seems that after a day of very long delays, some of the long-haul flights that were due to depart from here today have indeed managed to get off the ground.
So, relief for some of the passengers who have been caught in those -- in those long lines over in the main airport terminal behind me here.
A little earlier we spoke to Tony Douglas, or we heard from Tony Douglas. He's the CEO of BAA Heathrow, the people who run the airport here in London. And this is what he had to say at passengers who were intending to travel.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TONY DOUGLAS, HEATHROW CHIEF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: At this point in time, it's unclear how long these restrictions will remain in place. And for that reason, I think the key message to all travelers is to help themselves help us by coming prepared with no hand luggage and with their belongings in line with the list that's been explained in a clear plastic bag, and to arrive early, for the foreseeable future.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
FINIGHAN: Now, here is the clear plastic bag that's being handed to passengers as they arrive at Heathrow airport, along with a flyer which lists what they can and can't take on board.
The plain pocket-sized wallets are OK, and pocket-sized purses, plus, of course, their contents, credit cards, money, that sort of thing. But not handbags. Travel documents essential for the journey, prescriptions, medicines and medical items that are essential for the flight, except in liquid form, unless verified as authentic.
Now, Mr. Douglas went on to say that it's unclear how these restrictions will remain in place. However, he would expect Heathrow to return to something resembling normality tomorrow. However, bearing in mind that these security restrictions, the new security restrictions will still be in place, so anyone intending to travel on Friday from Heathrow or over the weekend is advised to travel -- to arrive at the airport extremely early for their flights -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Adrian, let's talk about the flight situation. I understand a number of flights from London over into other parts of Europe have been canceled. But what about the flights that were the focus of the concern, those coming from Britain here to the U.S.?
FINIGHAN: Well, those flights have been subject to delay, Daryn, but as I said, after a long day of waiting for many of the passengers, the flights that were due to leave from Heathrow for the U.S. have in fact left or are leaving as we speak.
As I said, there's been an increased amount of activity on of the airfield behind me here, with some very big jets managing to get off the ground for their destinations. People who have been caught up in this today, who have arrived at the airport and found that their flights have been subject to these long delays, taking it on the chin for the most part.
No sense of anger from passengers. Most of them seem to take it as part and parcel of modern day life.
They're relieved, if you like, that these extra security measures in place in light of the news of these terror raids overnight here in Britain, and the extra security measures, of course, are there in their interests to ensure that they arrive at their destination safely. Most people seem to accept it -- Daryn.
KAGAN: Adrian Finighan, live from London's Heathrow airport.
Thank you.
Let's take a closer look at Heathrow, the hub of this latest terror scare. It is the busiest airport in Europe.
Sixty-four million passengers a year funnel through Heathrow. It serves 90 airlines and it connects to about 170 locations around the world. Heathrow is also the second busiest cargo airport in the world.
(WEATHER REPORT)
KAGAN: We're going to talk with a veteran law enforcement officer about what this means for security at U.S. airports. We'll do that right after this.
You're watching CNN, the most trusted name in news.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAGAN: Here's New York City Mayor Bloomberg.
Let's listen in.
(JOINED IN PROGRESS)
MAYOR MICHAEL BLOOMBERG (R), NEW YORK: ... that anybody knows how to deliver, which is exactly what Bellevue (ph) always does. He has, as many of you know, lost a leg. But I will say, his spirits were just as up as you could possibly be.
He's looking forward to the future. He regaled me with some stories about some of his fellow firefighters who are out at his houseworking on putting in a new bathroom that he'll find easier to use and getting around the house. And he's... KAGAN: All right. We want to hear what Mayor Bloomberg has to say about the security situation. So we'll be coming back to him when he gets to that.
Meanwhile, I want to welcome in our veteran law enforcement official, Mike Brooks, to talk about what you're hearing.
Now, people are showing up at the airport and they're told, OK, no liquids on board, no hair gel, no shampoo, no drinks. People are going, "What are you talking about? How does that lead to an explosive?"
MIKE BROOKS, CNN SECURITY ANALYST: Well, we went through this before right after 9/11. You'll remember when it comes to a security checkpoint, if you had a Coke or you had a coffee, they would make you take a sip of it. They're doing some of that now with baby formula, those kinds of things, but they're not allowed...
KAGAN: Right. It wasn't this severe, though.
BROOKS: No, not at all.
KAGAN: They weren't saying, don't bring shampoo, don't bring hair gel.
BROOKS: And 9/11 there was nothing specific. Now they specifically know it looks like this group was planning on using some kind of peroxide-based liquid explosive.
Now my sources were telling me that they were still experimenting with exactly what they were going to use, whether they were going to take it premixed on to the plane or whether they going to take it and mix it together when they get to the plane, in a syringe or in a tube, that kind of thing. But when we talk about peroxide-based explosives, we're talking something about TATP, triacetone triperoxide.
KAGAN: What does that mean?
BROOKS: It's something that can be made with chemicals you can buy at a hardware store.
KAGAN: And that's what's so scary. Not only is it everyday ingredients, but it's things that can look like even more everyday ingredients.
BROOKS: Exactly, and this is the kind of explosive that was used back in July of 2005 on the London transit bombings. Then I go back -- the first thing I thought about, Daryn, when this happened was back in the '90s, Ramzi Yousef, who is the mastermind of the 1993 World Trade Center bombing, he had planned to bring down 12 U.S. commercial airliners coming from the Far East, and he tried out a bomb that had -- basically it was nitrous-cellulose. He had taken a liquid explosive, nitrogen-based in that particular case, put it like a cotton and taken the stuffing out of a doll, stuffed that in there...
KAGAN: Hold that thought. Mayor Bloomberg is getting to what's happening in New York City, so let's go ahead and listen in -- Mayor Bloomberg.
(JOINED IN PROGRESS)
MYR. MICHAEL BLOOMBERG, NEW YORK CITY: ... the impending arrests concerning the terrorist plot and of the actions that led to today's arrest in that country. We were told that commercial jets departing from Manchester and Heathrow airports in the U.K. destined for New York and other cities in the U.S. were targeted for midair bombing with devices disguised as drinks and other liquids.
Obviously, this is an ongoing investigation, one that has already led to 21 arrests in the United Kingdom, and we cannot and will not say anything about it that might impede efforts to disrupt this conspiracy and to apprehend anyone who may have been involved in it.
That said, clearly, this was a very serious plot, one that Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff has described as well planned and well advanced, international in scope and with the potential to inflict considerable loss of life.
The stepped-up air-travel security measures announced by Secretary Chertoff earlier today, including the ban on most carry-on liquids will, in all likelihood, result in longer lines at security checkpoints of people traveling through the regions' airports. And I just ask everybody to be understanding.
We will do whatever it takes to keep people safe. And if it's an inconvenience, it's just something that we're going to have to learn how to deal with.
I did speak to Governor Pataki earlier this morning, and he posted me on the measures that the Port Authority Police Department are taking. There's additional security measures at New York City airports. And if the National Guard is needed, the governor certainly said he would make those available.
But given the seriousness of the plot, these security measures, while creating an inconvenience, really are necessary and utterly reasonable, and I'm sure the vast majority of travelers will agree with that. It is very comforting, even if it's annoying, to see your security being taken seriously. Anyone planning to leave by air from New York certainly should plan on getting to the airport several hours earlier in order to make their scheduled departures while these measures are in effect.
And in terms of today, if you're planning to fly to London, you certainly should call your carrier and see if that is possible. You may have to postpone your trip.
As we do with all intelligence information from around the world, we are incorporating that into what we've learned about conspiracies and into our counterterrorism planning.
The city remains at a level-orange security level, the same level that we've maintained since September 11, 2001. The nature of this plot doesn't lend itself to the kind of added, high-profile police presence that we have instituted in the wake of other terrorist plots or attacks, such as the July 2005 bombings of subways in London.
Our ongoing and robust counterterrorism activities in New York include subway baggage searches, protection and surveillance of bridges and other key infrastructure installation, and the activation of the NYPD Hercules teams, and all of those things will continue.
Let us all remember that the secret weapon that will win the war against terrorism is courage. The best thing we can do is continue to go about our daily lives, leaving the investigation to the experts and the security of our wonderful city to the best police department in the world, and show that we will not be intimidated by criminal conspiracies like this one.
I'd be happy to take a question or two if anybody has one.
Yes?
That's correct.
The NYPD was informed of the ongoing investigations, and that was incorporated into our ongoing protection of this city, which as you know, we try to change so that it's not predictable at all. And anything that we learned was just part of the overall plan each day that the police department comes up with and how they deploy their resources. And I'm really not at liberty to say anything else.
Miss?
I can't hear you, I'm sorry.
I couldn't hear you, I'm sorry. Any members of that cell who...
To the best of our knowledge, there are no members of this group here. They were all in the U.K. and their investigation continues.
Sir?
Well, we have 1,000 police officers devoted to intelligence and counterterrorism. We have our own police officers around the world, including in London, where having somebody on the ground helps us in understanding what this plot was about. But keep in mind, the Port Authority Police Department that provides security at the individual airports, they're getting the information, too, and they will make sure that their security measures, in terms of how you get through security and on to planes, incorporates everything they've learned from this particular case.
Sir?
In this case, the place you will see added security is at the airports. But in terms of what we do to protect our subways, and our bridges and all other potential targets, that goes on and we are at operation orange. You can see sometime police cars -- they may be annoying -- on bridges where they cut traffic down by a lane, but that's what we think at the moment we have to do. You may be delayed if you have your bag searched at a subway stop. That's what we think we have to do. In the case of responding to this particular thing yesterday, that's really enhancing security at the airport, and you will see enhanced or additional Port Authority police officers there.
KAGAN: We've been listening to Mayor Bloomberg of New York City talking about how this thwarted terror plot has affected New York City. The airports there, as well as airports as all across the country.
We also want to let you know we expect to hear from President Bush within the next half hour, and we're working on -- he's in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Looks like we'll be able to bring those comments to you live here on CNN.
Meanwhile, our justice correspondent Kelli Arena happens to be here in Atlanta in our CNN world headquarters.
You've been working your sources. We threw you on the phones. What have you been able to learn?
KELLI ARENA, CNN JUSTICE CORRESPONDENT: Well, first of all, remember earlier we were told that it was between six and 10 airplanes that were targeted. Well, now we have a definitive number of nine,. At least that is what government officials are being told by the British government, that the number is nine. We're also told that there were recent arrests in Pakistan that led to specific information in this investigation that allowed the British investigators to piece together more information and move in as quickly as they did.
KAGAN: Can I just stop you right there, because this connection, this gets back to -- when the story was developing early this morning, officials weren't really wanting to say anything about the suspects. Then we're seeing this kind of video, High Wickham, an area that's in the western London suburbs, an area that has a lot of British- Pakistani citizens living there, and then we're starting to hear that it could be home grown, people of Pakistani descent, but British citizens.
ARENA: Yes, we don't how many are naturalized, how many born, but the inference is that most of them were born and raised in Britain, but of Pakistani descent.
The reason that you don't hear much from the British government is that their laws are very different about identifying suspects or people with -- in this process, very different from the process that we have here in the United States.
KAGAN: About what you're allowed to say.
ARENA: Right, what you're allowed to say.
KAGAN: We see American officials deferring to the British, because they're handling this.
ARENA: Exactly. Well, it's their investigation.
KAGAN: Right, right. And what else are you learning? ARENA: Well, again, lots of discussion about the so-called al Qaeda link, and to a man, all the sources that I've spoken to have said that it's very early in the game, but there's still no definitive connection to al Qaeda corporate, that these look to be more like they were al Qaeda-inspired.
KAGAN: All right.
ARENA: They call them "bin Ladenists," people that are homegrown. And Daryn, as you know, this is the trend. This is what al Qaeda is now. Al Qaeda has turned into people who are not affiliated with sort of the Ayman al-Zawahiris of the world, but are inspired by the message and act on their own.
KAGAN: Are you learning about why now? Why make the move?
ARENA: No, not yet. Don't know. We just know that there were -- I haven't gotten the word on whether or not they had tickets purchased but...
KAGAN: But clearly something happened. This was an investigation that's been going on for some time, and authorities...
ARENA: And we do know...
KAGAN: ... figured, OK, got to move.
ARENA: Right. We do know they did have materials in hand. So -- now, whether that's explosives and batteries and, you know, the mechanism to sort of put together on the plane, but the key is, did they actually buy the tickets? Did they know exactly what flights were targeted? That we don't know yet.
KAGAN: We just know that flights that would have been originating in the U.K. and coming here to the U.S.
ARENA: Right.
KAGAN: All right. Kelli Arena, thank you.
ARENA: You're welcome.
KAGAN: Kelli, we'll let you work your sources more and bring you back as you learn more.
Looking at live pictures. Green Bay, Wisconsin, President Bush on board Air Force One. And that's what we're looking at. After that touches down, we expect the president to come to microphones there at the airport and make some comments. You'll see that live on CNN.
We'll take a break now. You're watching CNN, the most trusted name in news.
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KAGAN: And you're looking at live pictures. Green Bay, Wisconsin, Air Force One touching down there. President Bush is on board. You see the microphones there. When the plane comes to a stop, we expect the president to come out and make comments, especially on what we've been watching unfold on a worldwide scale across the morning.
And the latest on that -- learning from our justice correspondent Kelli Arena that information that was gathered in Pakistan and arrests that were made there, that convinced British officials that they had to move on an investigation that had been going on for some time and they immediately had to act on interrupting a plot they say was set up to blow up airliners that were bound for the U.S.
Once again, we do expect to hear from President Bush in just a minute. And we will be listening to the president. While we wait for the president to make his comments, want to talk about this plot to blow up these airliners using liquid explosives. And that means that if you're traveling today in the U.S., you are not allowed to bring any type of liquid on board, and that includes things like hair gel, shampoo. If you have a drink, can't bring it. Apparently they were looking at some sort of chemical cocktail that would have been disguised as other substances.
On the phone with me is Paul Wilkinson. On the phone from Scotland, he is with the Center for the Study of -- let's see who he's with -- the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence at the University of St. Andrews.
Professor, good morning, or good afternoon where you are.
PROF. PAUL WILKINSON, UNIVERSITY OF ST. ANDREWS: Good morning.
KAGAN: How would this work and what would this plan -- type of plan be?
WILKINSON: I think the likelihood is that the terrorists would have taken material on board the aircraft and created a device while they were hidden from view, possibly in the toilet. And they would be able to do that with materials which are very easy to obtain. And the recipe for making these devices is available on the Web sites and, of course, in the terrorist manuals, the printed versions of these bomb- making manuals. So the information for the terrorists is unfortunately very easily available.
And, of course, the aviation security system we have was set up, really, to look at firearms initially, hijackers taking firearms on board, and explosives. Later on, after Lockerbie, a great deal of stress on searching for the traditional military explosives. In recent years, we've seen an increased interest among terrorists in acquiring more the unconventional type of explosive that would be difficult to detect using peroxides, using perhaps pyrotechnics, nitrogen-free explosives, which are easily accessible and difficult to detect.
KAGAN: And basically, these are everyday items, or are they masked as everyday items? WILKINSON: Some are everyday items that can be bought in a beautician or in a chemist shop. And undoubtedly, the means of making these devices is well known to the more sophisticated terrorists. We know, for example, that triacetone triperoxide (ph) has been used by terrorists, and -- including, of course, Hamas, who used the ATP in its bombing campaign against Israel.
KAGAN: You make a good point about the things that officials have been trying to protect against up to this point. Going forward, how do you protect against this? I mean, have we seen the last days of when you'd be able to bring any kind of liquid on board a commercial airliner?
WILKINSON: I don't -- yes, I don't see the problem of liquids as being a real problem, because as long as the catering is properly controlled and security personnel are properly vetted, there should be no danger of the catering liquids.
KAGAN: No, but what about passengers? Will you never be able to bring any lotion on board, or...
WILKINSON: Well, the passengers will have to pack any liquids that they want to take with them in hold luggage. And I think the airports and the aviation security authorities will be absolutely right to insist on that. The threat is a real one. It's not been invented by the media or by politicians. We know that the terrorists are seriously planning this kind of attack. And a number of us have been following this development and warning of the danger of this.
And I think measures should have been taken some time ago. So it's rather belated. But better late than never. The new measures will gradually be accepted, I think, and be taken up by other countries because they will be at threat from these type of explosives.
KAGAN: So while some of the measures might seem severe to some people who are showing up at the airport to travel today and going forward, people in your field are saying, it's about time?
WILKINSON: Yes. And it will become accepted that you just take your travel documents and any medicines you need for the actual journey and baby food if you have an infant with you, and that will have to be closely inspected at the security gate. And once people are used to that, and the airport staff are used to running this system, the disruption will decrease dramatically. And in my view, it will become gradually accepted that this is a sensible security precaution.
KAGAN: Just the norm. And I'm just going to jump in here a second because we've seen President Bush emerge from Air Force One, arriving on the ground there in Green Bay, Wisconsin, doing the traditional hellos to the dignitaries who show up to greet the president. And then we expect him to come up to the microphone and make some comments.
This was a pre-planned trip for the president to come to Green Bay, Wisconsin. And originally was scheduled to do a speech on the economy at 12:30, in about 40 minutes. But because of the news of the day, the president moving up those comments, and they made means for him to be able to make comments that would be broadcast, I'm sure, not just across the country, but all around the world, as President Bush says his hellos.
I think a time for one last question for Paul Wilkinson. Just how difficult -- and, again, we're not really interested in instructing people how to, but what's the level of sophistication of taking these every day products and making an explosive device in a situation where you'll be onboard an airliner?
WILKINSON: It would require some familiarization with the materials, and training by someone who's an experienced bombmaker. But those skills are, unfortunately, available in terrorist movements, particularly in the al Qaeda network of networks. And I strongly suspect that the al Qaeda network or networks was involved in this conspiracy.
KAGAN: Paul Wilkinson, on the phone from Scotland, explaining to us why all the great concern about these liquids being brought onboard commercial airlines.
Thank you for your time, sir, in explaining how this would all work. Appreciate it. Thank you.
KAGAN: As we wait for President Bush to come up to the microphone, I want to welcome in Elaine Quijano. She's back in Washington D.C. at the White House.
Elaine, tell us more about the trip that the president had planned previously and the moves to move up the remarks.
ELAINE QUIJANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Well, you'll forgive me, Daryn, as I check my BlackBerry here.
We're just getting information from the press secretary Tony Snow, disembarking, talking to reporters before they landed there. The president in Green Bay, Wisconsin to deliver remarks originally on the economy. He was set to visit, and is still set to visit, a plant there. He, of course, was headed there from his ranch in Crawford, Texas, where he was on vacation. But along we suspected that certainly he would be commenting on this.
Now as I look at this report from Tony Snow, of the details being laid out as to how President Bush was actually involved and the complications that did in fact take place.
I apologize here, Daryn, I'm having a hard time reading my BlackBerry at the moment.
But what I can tell you is certainly we know there have been extensive conversations between President Bush and British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Over the weekend, in fact, there was a photo released by the White House, and we were told that the discussions centered, of course, on the Middle East crisis. Now we understand that those discussions included, as well, talk of this investigation.
And there you see now President Bush preparing to make comments there in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The recent arrests that our fellow citizens are now learning about are a stark reminder that this nation is at war with Islamic fascists who will use any means to destroy those of us who love freedom, to hurt our nation.
I want to thank the government of Tony Blair and officials in the United Kingdom for their good work in busting this plot. I thank the officials in Washington, D.C., and around our country who gather intelligence and who work to protect the American people.
The cooperation on this venture was excellent. The cooperation between U.K. and U.S. authorities and officials was solid. And the cooperation amongst agencies within our government was excellent.
This country is safer than it was prior to 9/11. We've taken a lot of measures to protect the American people. But obviously we still aren't completely safe, because there are people that still plot and people who want to harm us for what we believe in.
It is a mistake to believe there is no threat to the United States of America, and that is why we've given our officials the tools they need to protect our people.
Travelers are going to be inconvenienced as a result of the steps we've taken. I urge their patience and ask them to be vigilant.
The inconvenience occurs because we will take the steps necessary to protect the American people.
Again, I appreciate the close cooperation between our government and the government of the United Kingdom.
The American people need to know we live in a dangerous world, but our government will do everything we can to protect our people from those dangers.
Thank you.
KAGAN: President Bush making some brief remarks there at the airport at Green Bay, Wisconsin, saying pretty much what we've known, not really advancing the story, but basically saying that this is a dangerous world, and it would be a mistake for Americans to think that we are not a target anymore.
Our Elaine Quijano was listening in. She is back at the White House.
Elaine, the original purpose of this trip was to come to Wisconsin to make a speech on the economy, but clearly the events of the day warranted comments from the president.
QUIJANO: Yes, and interesting to note, Daryn, this is coming at a time when the Bush administration has faced intense scrutiny and intense criticism for its policies in carrying out the war on terror. The president has maintained all along that 9/11 was a pivotal point for him, and that in fact he made a decision that day that he would take the necessary steps to protect the American people.
This really in a sense echoing that message we have heard from the president time and time again. The president reminding Americans that this, in essence, is a reminder in and of itself that there is still a threat that exists.
So the president making that statement, and you've noted, not really a lot of news coming out of that. But certainly the president wanting to reassure the American people that in fact he is on top of the situation, and the United States government is taking steps to ensure its people's safety -- Daryn.
KAGAN: And so the plans will still go on; now he goes to give the speech on the economy previously planned?
QUIJANO: As far as we know. There has not been any change that's been announced, at least not in the last few minutes, Daryn. We understand he is still scheduled to go to that plant and make remarks on the economy. But of course this being such an urgent matter, the president wasting no time disembarking there from Air Force One to make these comments on the terrorism issue -- Daryn.
KAGAN: All right Elaine Quijano, live the White House, thank you.
We'll continue to watch the president's movements as he spends the day in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Also want to let you know the latest development on this story coming from our Kelli Arena, that information gathered from officials in Pakistan where arrests were made, that was the trigger that set this story in motion, convincing British investigators that they had to move immediately and act on interrupting what they believe was a plot to blow up airliners bound from the U.S. from the U.K.
We're going to have a lot more on this story as our coverage goes forward. I'm Daryn Kagan. I encourage you to keep it here on CNN. "YOUR WORLD TODAY" picks up at the top of the hour. They come up next. Of course they have the latest on the story and news happening all across the globe and here at home.
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