For Immediate Release
Attorney General
September 24, 2002
Threat Level Returns to "Elevated"
Joint Statement of Attorney General John Ashcroft and Homeland Security Adviser Tom Ridge
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Based on a
review of intelligence and an assessment of threats by the
intelligence community, as well as the passing of the anniversary
of the September 11 terrorist attacks and the disruption of potential
terrorist operations in the United States and abroad, the Attorney
General in consultation with the Homeland Security Council has made
the decision to return the threat level to an elevated risk of
terrorist attack, or "yellow" level.
Contributing to this
decision were the recent arrests of six men in suburban Buffalo who
are alleged to have provided material support to al Qaeda. In
addition, senior al Qaeda operatives have been captured in Pakistan
and other al Qaeda members have been apprehended in Singapore and
Yemen. These actions have disrupted terrorist operations by
neutralizing certain senior al Qaeda leadership and removing other
terrorist planners and operatives.
The lowering of the threat
level is not a signal to government, law enforcement or citizens
that the danger of a terrorist attack is passed. Returning to the
elevated level of risk is only an indication that some of the extra
protective measures enacted by government and the private sector may
be reduced for the time being. We emphasize that the United States
and its interests are still at a significant risk of terrorist
attack. Detained al Qaeda operatives have informed U.S.
intelligence and law enforcement officials that al Qaeda will wait
until it believes Americans are less vigilant and less prepared before
it will strike again. For this reason, and for the safety and
security of our nation, Americans must continue to be defiant and
alert; undaunted and prepared to respond to a significant risk of
terrorist attacks. The American people serve as our strongest
defense against terrorism. We ask all citizens to be aware of any
suspicious activity and to report it to local authorities or the
Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The nation's Homeland
Security Advisory System provides a national framework to inform
and facilitate the decisions of federal, state and local government
as s well as private individuals at home and at work. The system
indicates protective measures commensurate with the current threat
level to be taken to reduce the nation's vulnerability to terrorist
attack. At the elevated risk level, significant security
measures will remain in place at all federal agencies. Examples of
these include:
- A focus on critical facilities and
vulnerabilities, with security and surveillance tailored to meet
specific intelligence reports and security needs.
- Continued
increased surveillance.
- Random inspections of passenger vehicles
entering parking lots and restricted parking as necessary.
-
Continued coordination of emergency plans with state and federal
jurisdictions and private sector partners.
- One hundred percent
identification check of personnel entering facilities. During duty
hours, employees must personally escort visitors and remain
responsible for their whereabouts for the duration of their visit.
-
Screening procedures remain in place for incoming office mail and
other deliverables.
We thank all federal, state and local
government and law enforcement officials, representatives of the
private sector, and individual citizens for your patience and
resolve. Know that your efforts are making a difference. And
know, as well, that through our collective efforts, we send a signal
to those who would do us harm that America stands alert, united, and
prepared.
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