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U.S. Raises Terror Alert Level
Sep 10, 1:53 PM (ET)
By JOHN SOLOMON
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Bush administration raised the nation's terror
alert warning to its second highest level Tuesday - code orange -
signaling a "high risk" of attack ahead of the Sept. 11 anniversary.
It was the first time since the terrorist attacks that the level was set
so high. The elevation was announced by Attorney General John Ashcroft,
Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge and FBI Director Robert Mueller.
Ashcroft cited "specific intelligence on specific attacks on U.S.
interests overseas." He said that President Bush had approved the
change.
At the same time, the State Department announced that the government was
temporarily closing for public business about two dozen U.S. diplomatic
posts worldwide. Officials cited specific threats against U.S. embassies
in southeast Asia, including embassies in Indonesia and Malaysia.
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Ashcroft said the government was not urging Americans to change their
travel plans or that there be a cancellation of events. Similarly, he
said there was no call for government workers to stay home.
Ashcroft said the United States had gathered intelligence suggesting
that such attacks are intended to coincide with the Sept. 11 anniversary
of the terrorist attacks.
"Symbols of American power and authority," such as embassies, military
facilities and national monuments are possible targets, Ashcroft.
He said terrorists might "lash out in even small strikes," including car
bombings and other suicide attacks.
Security was also being increased at military bases worldwide, Ashcroft
said.
The level, which reflects a "high risk of terrorist attacks," is one
step below the top "red," or "severe risk." The level had been at
"yellow," in the middle of the five-color scale.
Code orange calls for government officials to take extra precaution at
public events and to coordinate their efforts with the military. Access
to various government installations is restricted to only "essential
personnel."
Officials said there was no specific threat against targets in the
United States, but the government opted to raise the alert level because
of an increase in communications - what the intelligence community calls
"chatter" - among suspected terrorists.
Ashcroft said Americans should remain "alert but defiant in the face of
this new threat."
Ridge, speaking of the threat at home, said "specific protective
measures" would be taken by federal agencies as a result of the
heightened alert status.
He said these would likely include more barriers around federal
buildings and more inspections.
Americans should use their common sense and be more alert to possible
threats, Ridge said. "Be wary and be mindful," Ridge cautioned.
Ridge had spoken earlier Tuesday with governors and their staffs.
Among them was George Vinson, the anti-terror chief in Gov. Gray Davis'
administration in California. Ridge called the governors to prepare them
for the Justice Department's announcement, Vinson said.
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