Don't Worry

DHS Secretary Napolitano tells us of "recent specific, credible but unconfirmed threat information" and urges public vigilance (repeating an earlier warning given by her Press Secretary).

The Washington Post reported yesterday:

U.S. officials are investigating a possible al-Qaeda plot to detonate a vehicle-borne bomb in Washington or New York City around Sunday’s 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

A handful of individuals may have entered the United States in recent days as part of the plot, which officials said originated from the tribal areas of Pakistan along the Afghan border. One of them may be a U.S. citizen.

Numerous officials familiar with the information cautioned Thursday night that while the threat is specific and worrisome, it is based on raw intelligence that is unconfirmed. Law enforcement agencies across the Eastern Seaboard were scrambling to determine how serious the danger is and to find any possible terrorist plotters.

[...]

Members of Congress were also briefed on what law enforcement and intelligence officials described as the first specific and credible threat related to the anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The concern was amplified by the knowledge that before he was killed in May, Osama bin Laden had seemed fixated on attacking the United States again on or around Sept. 11.

Then, the local county alert system sent out this message today:

This weekend will mark the 10th anniversary of the attacks on the United States that occurred on September 11, 2001. Residents of Arlington County may be aware of warnings issued by federal, state, and local agencies regarding potential attacks that may occur during this time. Police Chief M. Douglas Scott would like to assure residents that the Arlington County Police Department has plans in place to address needs as they occur. The police department would like to remind our residents of ways that they can assist in preventing future acts of terrorism.

“See Something Say Something”

The Arlington County Police Department joins our federal and local partners in the “See Something Say Something” campaign. The campaign is a simple and effective program developed to raise public awareness of indicators of terrorism, crime, and other threats and to emphasize the importance of reporting suspicious activity to the proper transportation and law enforcement authorities. Remember that the suspicious activity does not need to be criminal in nature to report it to the Arlington County Police.

The 7 Signs of Terrorism awareness are listed below:

1. Surveillance: Recording or monitoring activities. May include drawing diagrams, note taking, use of cameras, binoculars or other vision-enhancing devices, or possessing floor plans or blueprints of key facilities.

2. Elicitation: Attempts to obtain operation, security, and personnel-related information regarding a key facility. May be made by mail, fax, e-mail, telephone, or in person.

3. Tests of Security: Attempts to measure reaction times to security breaches or to penetrate physical security barriers or procedures in order to assess strengths and weaknesses.

4. Acquiring Supplies: Attempts to improperly acquire items that could be used in a terrorist act. May include the acquisition of explosives, weapons, harmful chemicals, flight manuals, law enforcement or military equipment, uniforms, identification badges, or the equipment to manufacture false identification.

5. Suspicious Persons: Someone who does not appear to belong in a workplace, neighborhood or business establishment due to his/her behavior, including unusual questions or statements he/she make.

6. Dry Runs/Trial Runs: Behavior that appears to be preparation for a terrorist act without actually committing the act. Activity could include mapping out routes and determining the timing of traffic lights and flow.

7. Deploying Assets: Placing people, equipment, and supplies into position to commit the act. This is the last opportunity to alert authorities before the terrorist act occurs.

Arlington County residents are encouraged to contact the police if they observe suspicious situations by calling 9-1-1 or the non-emergency line at
703-558-2222.

But, don't worry, we're safer now.

[update]
Hearing Rumors of a Plot, Cities Make Their Security Forces Seen (New York Times) - complete with photo of law enforcement armed with automatic weapons by NYSE

Terror threat darkens Pentagon 9/11 ceremony (AP/Boston.com) - "Panetta offered no details on the latest threat."

N.Y., Washington tighten security amid probe of bomb threat (WaPo) -

With the latest news, officials vowed to tighten security even further. D.C. Police Chief Cathy L. Lanier said at a news conference that officers are working 12-hour shifts citywide, with 200 to 400 additional officers per shift.

“You will see a heightened level and presence out in the community,’’ said Lanier, who urged people to “keep your eyes open.’’ The city’s heightened reports of “suspicious activity,’’ she said, included people calling about vehicles parked with someone inside.

In Montgomery County, police will be deployed in uniform and in plainclothes. They will monitor “soft targets,” such as shopping malls and government buildings, as well as individuals who live in Montgomery and could be targets, officials said.