Feds Warn Of Possible NYC Terror Plot

FBI: "Plausible But Unsubstantiated" Report Of Al Qaeda Plans To Attack Subway System

(CBS/AP)  Police bolstered security in subways and trains on Wednesday after the government said that al Qaeda suicide bombers were contemplating an attack on New York's mass-transit systems during the holiday season.

An internal memo obtained by The Associated Press says the FBI received a "plausible but unsubstantiated" report that al Qaeda terrorists in late September may have discussed attacking the subway system around the holidays.

A person briefed on the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the intelligence-gathering work, said the threat may also be directed at the passenger rail lines running through New York, such as Amtrak and the Long Island Rail Road.

A federal law enforcement official said that there's no indication that anyone involved in the planning is in the United States. That official also spoke on condition of anonymity because it involved intelligence-gathering.

The threat surfaced on one of the busiest travel days of the year and when tens of thousands of tourists are in New York City for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

"The New York City Police Department is aware of an unsubstantiated report indicating that Al Qaeda terrorists discussed targeting mass transit in New York City and vicinity," NYPD Deputy Commissioner Paul J. Browne said in a statement obtained by CBS News."We have no information indicating that these discussions advanced beyond the aspirational stage, but in an abundance of caution, the NYPD has deployed additional resources in the mass transit system."

He added, "It is not uncommon for the department to receive threat information and to adjust our resources accordingly."

While law enforcement stepped up patrols around subways and trains, many commuters around the city were unfazed by the news and had not even heard of the threat.

"If you get scared that means they win," commuter Omid Sima said on the platform of the subway below Rockefeller Center. "There's always been terror warnings. I can't change my life because of that."

"I could hit by a truck, too, so it doesn't bother me," said commuter Paul Greenwald of Long Island. "To me, it's just fear tactics."

The vulnerability of the city's tightly packed passenger trains and subway cars has long been a source of concern for cops - and target for would-be terrorists. The city has more than 450 subway stations that handle millions of commuters every day.

There is often disagreement as to how seriously authorities should take specific intelligence reports related to threats against mass transit - an issue that took on greater urgency following transit bombings in Madrid and London in 2004 and 2005 that killed a combined 243 people.

A Pakistani immigrant was arrested and convicted in New York for a scheme to blow up the subway station at Herald Square in 2004. There was also a planned cyanide attack on the subways by al Qaeda operatives that authorities say was called off in 2002, and a plot to bomb underwater train tunnels to flood lower Manhattan. That plot was broken up in 2006 by several arrests overseas.

Three years ago, authorities weighed the seriousness of reports that bombers might try to use baby strollers to bring explosives into city trains. Many security officials later concluded that was a false alarm.

Bruce McIndoe, president of iJET Intelligent Risk Systems, which advises companies on travel safety, said transportation is always a "hot" area for terror concerns, but individual warnings don't mean terrorists have the capability to pull off such an attack.

McIndoe said the real message of the federal bulletin to local police is: "We're picking up some chatter. We have nothing to substantiate it, so it's better to be safe and step it up a bit, let's get through the holiday season and get on to the next thing."

While federal agencies regularly issue all sorts of advisory warnings, the language of this one is particularly blunt.

The internal bulletin says al Qaeda terrorists "in late September may have discussed targeting transit systems in and around New York City. These discussions reportedly involved the use of suicide bombers or explosives placed on subway/passenger rail systems," according to the document.

"We have no specific details to confirm that this plot has developed beyond aspirational planning, but we are issuing this warning out of concern that such an attack could possibly be conducted during the forthcoming holiday season," according to the warning dated Tuesday.

A U.S. counterterror official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to do so publicly, said senior government officials have been briefed because the FBI very recently received credible information about possible attacks over the holiday season, and authorities are particularly concerned about this long holiday weekend.

Rep. Peter King, the top Republican on the House Homeland Security Committee, said authorities "have very real specifics as to who it is and where the conversation took place and who conducted it."

"It certainly involves suicide bombing attacks on the mass transit system in and around New York and it's plausible, but there's no evidence yet that it's in the process of being carried out," King said.

Department of Homeland Security spokesman Russ Knocke said the warning was issued as a routine matter, but added that there may be an increased police presence in New York and other large cities. The increased personnel could include uniformed and plainclothes "behavior detection" officers, federal air marshals, canine teams, and security inspectors, Knocke said.

FBI spokesman Richard Kolko confirmed only that his agency and the Homeland Security Department issued a bulletin Tuesday night to state and local authorities, and the information is being reviewed.

Beth Maderal, 26, learned terrorists might be plotting a holiday attack as she stood on a Brooklyn subway platform with her mother waiting for the train to Manhattan. Maderal said any threat gives her pause, but she is not going to stop riding the subway because she depends on it so much.

"My whole life is riding the subway," the dance and yoga instructor said. "If it's open, I am going to ride it. ... If it's unsafe, they'll close it. The city wouldn't put me in danger."

[Gary Kempf]

That is better than what they did or really didn''t do about the 9/11 threat

[colt8881]

OH NO

The Drama & Panic and Worry all set in. Lock your doors and pull the shades and bring the cat and dog the terror level just went up a notch !

[easeup-2009]

The foil-hatters will be on this thread like a hobo on a ham sandwich.

[cdj-chem]

The key to victory in the "war on terror" is measured response. Our response to 9-11 assured victory for Bin Ladin. We spent ourselves into huge debt and reduced our personal freedoms. We lose. Sharp, short hits to the terrorist nations, with the threat of escalation to nuclear weapons would have sufficed. Instead we cloak ourselves as democracy bringers and spend the nation into a hole, while simultaneously enriching the friends of chaney and bush. Americans lack the guts to make the needed response.

[bjcone8559]

The election is over... why are the neocons trying to scare people now?

[billh971]

Yeah, Bush kept us safe by warning us about 911 didn''t he? The intellegence is so sketchy, and we have had 7 years to make it his tio priority? what is different now? Nothing. Homeland Security is a joke. This is just one more final scare tactic by the Bush admin to push Wall Street over the clift as a farewell!

[drinuk]

Dont Worry, Tranvestite Blogger Lady_Organs has asked Her/His God to point out those Heathen Muslims before they blow of their Nuts off.

[easeup-2009]

The election is over... why are the neocons trying to scare people now?

Posted by nowaymcgoo at 12:01 PM : Nov 26, 2008

The key to victory in the "war on terror" is measured response. Our response to 9-11 assured victory for Bin Ladin. We spent ourselves into huge debt and reduced our personal freedoms. We lose. Sharp, short hits to the terrorist nations, with the threat of escalation to nuclear weapons would have sufficed. Instead we cloak ourselves as democracy bringers and spend the nation into a hole, while simultaneously enriching the friends of chaney and bush. Americans lack the guts to make the needed response.

Posted by cdj-chem at 12:01 PM : Nov 26, 2008

Yeah, Bush kept us safe by warning us about 911 didn''''t he? The intellegence is so sketchy, and we have had 7 years to make it his tio priority? what is different now? Nothing. Homeland Security is a joke. This is just one more final scare tactic by the Bush admin to push Wall Street over the clift as a farewell!

Posted by Billh971 at 12:04 PM : Nov 26, 2008


SEE?????

[missingamerica]

If there is a terror attack, the weapon used will undoubtedly have arrived through a port the Republicans and this Administration slowed or blocked 100% inspections at because "they inhibit the free flow of commerce".

And to add insult to injury, said hypothetical weapon would probably arrive in a crate of drilling supplies destined for a National Park out West.

And to cap it ALL off, this Administration would probably seize the opportunity to declare martial law, at which time Bush would use an "Executive Order" to delay Obama''s inauguration "until such time as the terrorism emergency is lifted or hell freezes over, whichever comes first".

I can just see Cheney gleefully pronouncing that last statement, with that little lopsided grin/leer of his.

[xxunknown]

The Drama & Panic and Worry all set in. Lock your doors and pull the shades and bring the cat and dog the terror level just went up a notch !
Posted by Colt8881
----------------------------------------
TEE HEE. You read my mind.

[easeup-2009]

And to cap it ALL off, this Administration would probably seize the opportunity to declare martial law, at which time Bush would use an "Executive Order" to delay Obama''''s inauguration "until such time as the terrorism emergency is lifted or hell freezes over, whichever comes first".

I can just see Cheney gleefully pronouncing that last statement, with that little lopsided grin/leer of his.

Posted by ibsteve2u at 12:13 PM : Nov 26, 2008

LOL!!! Martial law??? You are priceless!

[lady_organs]

Oh I am scared. I sure am glad President Bush is still in office. We will be safe.

[missingamerica]

LOL!!! Martial law??? You are priceless!

Posted by easeup at 12:15 PM : Nov 26, 2008

You, on the other hand, are far from priceless. I do not know what your precise dollar value is, but I suspect that it doesn''t take much to keep you focused on your income instead of the nation''s future.

[impeach___w]

Isreal may be attacking Iran this weekend.

If that happens we can forget about al-queada and may need to worry about hezbollah...

[easeup-2009]

You, on the other hand, are far from priceless. I do not know what your precise dollar value is, but I suspect that it doesn''''t take much to keep you focused on your income instead of the nation''''s future.

Posted by ibsteve2u at 12:16 PM : Nov 26, 2008

You loons keep me entertained, no doubt. In these trying times, I would recommend a sturdier 7 gage galvanized steel hat--I think it would be much safer than just foil.

[easeup-2009]

Posted by pythoncharly at 12:16 PM : Nov 26, 2008

What are you going to do after Obama takes over? Who are you going to blame everything on? What are you going to be whining about in your childish temper tantrums?

[deathofusa]

Then we will hunt them down like rats. Bring it on!!!
------------------------------------------------------
Posted by steve777a at 12:22 PM : Nov 26, 2008


No we won''t. Remember who is the president-elect. Remember that there are a lot of americans that think we should release the enemy combatants in Guantanamo.

[deathofusa]

So? What are we going to do about it? Why tell us if we aren''t going to do anything about it. Obama has already promised to reduce our military. Just like with Clinton, our intelligence gathering capabilities will be brought down to nothing. Oh, but yeah. I forgot, Clinton balanced the budget. Look. Stop worrying about possible attacks, let''s just release those enemy combatants from Guantanamo.

[liberalme]

Here we go again, one last ditch fear effort--get out the duct tape!

We need a total revision of the CIA and the FBI--they have tons of information they don''t use.
When was the last time the CIA issued such a warning? What is the FBI doing with the 800,000 names on the "terror watch" list?

Get the Bush terrorists out of Washington, revise these two departments, bring our toops home to protect OUR country--I for one, am sick of these fear-mongers!

[barbaram99]

Would the nanny govt stop scaring her citzens. I was safer before gwb forced himself into office, Bush has to leave office at noon DC no if,and or but. Move out. He has hurt this nation and a poster fees safer. Sorry lass ye must be young. I am 54.

[deathofusa]

This is just one more final scare tactic by the Bush admin to push Wall Street over the clift as a farewell!
------------------------------------------------------
Posted by Billh971 at 12:04 PM : Nov 26, 2008


I hope you are right. I hope that with the Messiah as president we will not be attacked again. I doubt it, but I surely hope it. Do you live in New York?

[deathofusa]

And to cap it ALL off, this Administration would probably seize the opportunity to declare martial law, at which time Bush would use an "Executive Order" to delay Obama''''s inauguration "until such time as the terrorism emergency is lifted or hell freezes over, whichever comes first".

I can just see Cheney gleefully pronouncing that last statement, with that little lopsided grin/leer of his.
------------------------------------------------------
Posted by ibsteve2u at 12:13 PM : Nov 26, 2008


Wow. Do you take anything for that paranoia?

[deathofusa]

Isreal may be attacking Iran this weekend.

If that happens we can forget about al-queada and may need to worry about hezbollah...
------------------------------------------------------Posted by impeach___w at 12:17 PM : Nov 26, 2008


Man, I hope you are right.

[candy-apple]

If they issue a warning, it''s paranoia. If they don''t issue a warning, it''s a conspiracy. No matter what ANYONE in the government does nobody is happy. If the rail systems in NY were destroyed tomorrow would you people be happy then?? Of course, something else to blame on Bush . What if it happens at this time next year? Wait, I''m sorry, according to some people on this board it would be Bush''s fault!!

[libsh8theusa]

If we''''re lucky, they''''ll burn the U.N. to the ground.

Posted by DeckardBR

I''d be more then happy to supply what ever is needed to accomplish that mission..

[deathofusa]

If they issue a warning, it''''s paranoia. If they don''''t issue a warning, it''''s a conspiracy. No matter what ANYONE in the government does nobody is happy. If the rail systems in NY were destroyed tomorrow would you people be happy then?? Of course, something else to blame on Bush . What if it happens at this time next year? Wait, I''''m sorry, according to some people on this board it would be Bush''''s fault!!
------------------------------------------------------
Posted by candy-apple at 12:33 PM : Nov 26, 2008


Believe me, the democraps will be blaming Bush all through Obamas administration.

[deathofusa]

If they issue a warning, it''''''''s paranoia. If they don''''''''t issue a warning, it''''''''s a conspiracy. No matter what ANYONE in the government does nobody is happy. If the rail systems in NY were destroyed tomorrow would you people be happy then?? Of course, something else to blame on Bush . What if it happens at this time next year? Wait, I''''''''m sorry, according to some people on this board it would be Bush''''''''s fault!!
-------------------------------
-----------------------
Posted by candy-apple at 12:33 PM : Nov 26, 2008


Believe me, the democraps will be blaming Bush all through Obamas administration. THAT''S JUST THE DEMOCRAP WAY! I would hate to be the parent of a democrap. I imagine they blame their parents for all of their mistakes. Must be hell.

[libsh8theusa]

I don''t think our government understands that the only think these sand monkeys understand is fear..

What needs to happen is anyone that is involved in terrorizing the US needs to die.. ON TV.. for the world to see.. But first dip them in pig blood and make them eat pork.. Then we find out where their family lives and send a hit team to terminate them.. and when there is a funeral for those family members then we drop a few 1,000 pounders on their Little party.. Do that a few times and see if they want to play this silly game any more..


FEAR WINS WARS...



Not hugs and flowers..


And like it or not but America is at war with these cockroaches..


DEATH TO ALLAH and those nut cases that believe in Allah!!!

[neoconrcrazy]

Believe me, the democraps will be blaming Bush all through Obamas administration.

Posted by deathofUSA

well, considering the magnitude of the MESS sunny-boy, silver-spoon, AWOL bush has left this country in, I''d venture many will not forget very soon.

[libsh8theusa]

I don''''t think our government understands that the only think these sand monkeys understand is fear.. Type o.. Please don''t whip me spelling and grammar police.. I will be good..

I don''t think our government understands that the only thing these sand monkeys understand is fear..

[get_it_str8]

In the name of Allah we plan to FARTon the subway and hold doors closed.

[neoconrcrazy]

DEATH TO ALLAH and those nut cases that believe in Allah!!!

Posted by libsh8theUSA


you forget to mention extremists too....mirror mirror

[deathofusa]

Believe me, the democraps will be blaming Bush all through Obamas administration.

Posted by deathofUSA

well, considering the magnitude of the MESS sunny-boy, silver-spoon, AWOL bush has left this country in, I''''d venture many will not forget very soon.
------------------------------------------------------
Posted by neoconRcrazy at 12:41 PM : Nov 26, 2008


Considering that Clinton raped our military and intelligence agencies, I guess we can say it all began with him. Heck, but he did balance the budget. Heck, he refused Osama bin Laden when he was offered to him. Oh, yeah, I guess it''s all Bush''s fault.

[libsh8theusa]

In the name of Allah we plan to FARTon the subway and hold doors closed.

Posted by get_it_str8

curry and camel meat farts are the worst..

[deathofusa]

Bacillus subtilis was released throughout the New York subway system,
Due to the vast number of people exposed it would virtually impossible
to identify, let alone prove, any specific health problems resulting directly
from this virus Attack

Research :
A History Timeline of Population Control - (Copy and Paste (Google)
------------------------------------------------------
Posted by lastdance134 at 12:39 PM : Nov 26, 2008


You need some heavy-duty meds. You really need to get that paranoia under control.

[libsh8theusa]

you forget to mention extremists too....mirror mirror

Posted by neoconRcrazy


NO I remebered ewe..

[neoconrcrazy]

FEAR WINS WARS...

Posted by libsh8theUSA


yeah, like the gestapo? wake up little suzzie.

[downtowner97]

Why does the GOP attack us?

They hate us for our freedoms.

[get_it_str8]

The GOP is history. Get over it. Find someone new to ********** *********

[sepa2]

Hope these periodic warnings are not a filip to terrorist economy. I see at all level (city, state, federal) people are milking terrorism to their own gain. So much money is syphoned off there is no money for health, school, roads etc. Even the current meltdown may be partly due to assymetric spending

[neoconrcrazy]

I guess it''''s all Bush''''s fault.

Posted by deathofUSA


comes with the job, America gives the report card. it ain''t good...

[get_it_str8]

Hey laastdance, the black helicopters are coming for YOU....

[bailthisout]

Do people really feel that Americans will be attacked for their political party affiliation. Both sides (left and right) wingnuts are pathetic human beings.
Especially idiots like get_it_str8 and downtowner97

[downtowner97]

If Larry Silverstien just bought the subways, and Bush''s brother has been hired to provide security, I''d take the bus.

[neoconrcrazy]

Rep. Peter King, the top Republican on the House Homeland Security Committee, said authorities "have very real specifics as to who it is and where the conversation took place and who conducted it."


sounds like the conversation will be the conviction.

[andor3]

"Believe me, the democraps will be blaming Bush all through Obamas administration. "

I beleive it is called personal responsibility--when someone like Bush screws up and causes problems, the buck should stop with them. Even more so with Bush since he has pushed a raft of failed policies and philosophies left-over from Bush I and Reagan, and it is important to identify the source of the problem so we learn the lesson not to repeat what caused it.

But actually no one is blaming Bush personally now, just focused on identifying and cleaning up all the problems he caused, ignored, or allowed to continue.

[neoconrcrazy]

If we''''''''re lucky, they''''''''ll burn the U.N. to the ground.

Posted by DeckardBR

I''''d be more then happy to supply what ever is needed to accomplish that mission..


Posted by libsh8theUSA



here an example of a terrorist conversation....we know what they said and who said it. who''s calling the Feds ??

[neoconrcrazy]

If we''''''''re lucky, they''''''''ll burn the U.N. to the ground.

Posted by DeckardBR

I''''d be more then happy to supply what ever is needed to accomplish that mission..


Posted by libsh8theUSA



here an example of a terrorist conversation....we know what they said and who said it. who''s calling the Feds ??

[deathofusa]

In the name of Allah we plan to FARTon the subway and hold doors closed.
------------------------------------------------------
Posted by get_it_str8 at 12:44 PM : Nov 26, 2008


Careful now. Look what happened to this little boy for farting in school.

Student arrested for ''passing gas'' at Fla. school

Nov 24, 9:31 PM (ET)

STUART, Fla. (AP) - A student at a Florida school has been arrested after authorities said he was "passing gas" and turning off his classmates'' computers. According to a report released Friday by the Martin County Sheriff''s Office, the 13-year-old boy "continually disrupted his classroom environment" by intentionally breaking wind. He then shut off some computers other students were using.

The Spectrum Junior-Senior High School was arrested Nov. 4.

A school resource officer placed the boy under arrest after he confessed about his behavior, according to the report. He was charged with disruption of school function and released to his mother.


This kid got into more trouble for farting than the enemy combatants we have in guantanamo.

[bailthisout]

Bye get_it_str8 - post deleted. LMAO