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Raising
the National Threat Level
from
Yellow (Elevated) to Orange (High)
Dec. 21, 2003
The
Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Tom Ridge,
today announced the decision to raise the national threat level
to its second highest ... Orange,
for "High" threat probability.
This
is the fifth time the level has been raised to Orange since
its inception, and the first time since May.
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"Information
indicates that extremists abroad are anticipating near-term attacks
that they believe will rival or exceed the scope and impact of those
we experienced in New York, at the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania
more than two years ago,"
Ridge said.
"We have not raised the threat level in this country for six months,
but we have raised it before. And as before, Americans can be assured
that we know what we must do and we are doing it."
Intelligence agencies have "received a substantial increase in the
volume of threat-related intelligence reports," he said.
According to Ridge, "These credible sources suggest the possibility
of attacks against the homeland around the holiday season and beyond.
These strategic indicators, including al-Qaida's continued desire
to carry out attacks against our homeland, are perhaps greater now
than at any point since Sept. 11."
Ridge further reported that "recent reporting reiterates that al-Qaida
continues to consider using aircraft as a weapon. They are evaluating
procedures both here and abroad to find gaps in our security posture
that can be exploited."
Here
is the text of the remarks Secretary Tom Ridge made during his press
conference:
U.S.
Department of Homeland Security
by Secretary Tom Ridge
Sunday, Dec. 21, 2003
Today, The United States Government raised the national threat
level from an Elevated to High risk of terrorist attack - or
from Code Yellow to Code Orange.
We know from experience that the increased security that is
implemented when we raise the threat level, along with increased
vigilance, can help disrupt or deter terrorist attacks.
The U.S. Intelligence Community has received a substantial increase
in the volume of threat related intelligence reports.
These credible sources suggest the possibility of attacks against
the homeland around the holiday season and beyond.
The strategic indicators, including al-Qaida's continued desire
to carry out attacks against our homeland, are perhaps greater
now than at any point since September 11th.
Information indicates that extremists abroad are anticipating
near-term attacks that they believe will rival - or exceed -
the scope and impact of those we experienced in New York, at
the Pentagon, and in Pennsylvania more than two years ago.
Recent reporting reiterates that al-Qaida continues to consider
using aircraft as a weapon. And they are evaluating procedures
both here and abroad to find gaps in our security posture that
can be exploited.
Our actions are directed against their efforts.
We have not raised the threat level in this country for six
months - but we have raised it before.
Homeland security professionals at all levels of government
and in the private sector are hard at work to increase security
in your community, state and across the nation.
Americans should know that with this announcement comes action.
A specific plan is going into place as we speak. Most importantly,
we are sharing appropriately specific information with those
who need it and can act upon it.
Already, I have spoken to the nation's Governors, Homeland Security
Advisors, Mayors, and other local officials and asked them to
review the security measures they currently have in place, and
to increase protections to thwart terrorist attacks.
And, they are doing so.
In addition, we have made calls to officials from states and
major cities throughout the past week reminding them to be on
heightened alert, and now I have called on them to increase
their levels of security.
Leaders in the private sector that control resources critical
to our country have also been contacted today, and provided
with specific measures for them to take to protect those resources.
Where appropriate, we have also shared specific information
with foreign countries to enlist their help in combating these
terrorist threats.
All Federal departments and agencies are implementing action
plans in response to the increase in the threat level.
We have enhanced security at our nation's airports and around
other transportation systems and infrastructure.
We will re-deploy agents and other resources at our borders
to meet the current threat. And, there will be more Coast Guard
air and sea patrols off our shores, in our ports, and escorting
ships.
Obviously, I will not outline all of the actions that are being
taken to protect our citizens. We will not broadcast our plans
to the terrorists.
But, extensive new protections have been or soon will be put
in place all across the country.
I can assure you that your government will stand at the ready,
twenty-four hours a day, to stop terrorism during this holiday
season, and beyond.
In addition to knowing that homeland security professionals
at all levels are working to keep our communities safe, we ask
individual Americans to do a few additional things during this
time of heightened alert.
I have said it before - and I am saying it again - homeland
security begins at home. Never has that been more true.
Your awareness and vigilance can help tremendously, so please
use your common sense and report suspicious packages, vehicles,
or activities to local law enforcement.
Go over your family emergency plans, and if you haven't developed
one already, do it now.
These kind of precautions are just good sense. And, I can tell
you from personal experience that those of us who were affected
during hurricane season were glad we had done some advance planning
to prepare.
For those traveling during this holiday season, let me thank
you in advance for putting up with some inconveniences.
As we learned at Thanksgiving, the additional security measures
require some additional patience.
But we did a good job keeping things safe - and not too slow
- at our airports and we believe that with your cooperation
the same will be true in the coming days and weeks.
Finally - no matter your faith or culture - now is the time
of year for important celebrations.
So, I encourage you to continue with your holiday plans. Gather
with your family and friends and enjoy the spirit of this season.
There is no doubt that we have a lot to be thankful for - not
the least of which the opportunity to live in the greatest country
in the world. It is a country that will not be bent by terror.
It is a country that will not be broken by fear. But instead,
we are a country blessed with a population marked by goodwill
and great resolve.
We will show the terrorists both this holiday season - goodwill
toward our fellow men, readiness and resolve to protect our
families and our freedom.
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Click here to see the original article:
http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?content=2707
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