Officials are urging workers in Washington, D.C. to go about their business today, even with warnings about a possible terror attack timed to the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Here is an email sent by a top Congressional security official to staffers on Capitol Hill about the threat and how people should deal with it:
=
Potential Threats Coinciding with the 10th Anniversary of the September 11 Attacks
Last night's announcement concerning U.S. officials possessing "specific, credible but unconfirmed" information (which is, admittedly, rather confusing) about a potential al Qaeda threat against the United States coinciding with the 10th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks was well-intentioned, perhaps helpful, but not very well-coordinated. In the anti-terrorism business, the push and pull of evaluating intelligence and when to openly share what is known or suspected is challenging; the alternatives are rarely black and white. All that said, whenever there is information we have which will make you safer, we will share it.
In this case, there is no reason to change the way we each conduct our daily business. We need only be as alert as we became on September 12, 2001. Think of the information as coming from a person you know relatively well and trust, but the source of that "friend's" information is from a person about whom you know little or nothing. The "dot connectors" are trying to unravel all sorts of gathered information. That is a good thing.
During most of the day, my office had been working with U.S. Capitol Police Chief Morse and our federal partners on the significance and relevancy of the information given to us by those federal partners. The USCP, in conjunction with local and federal law enforcement agencies, is very closely coordinating law enforcement efforts to safeguard you. We met with the Director of the Secret Service, and discussed the issues with the Assistant Director of the FBI. The correct action is being taken to prevent and protect.
Frankly, the threat is not unexpected considering what has been learned in the past few months. The whiff of a threat to attack U.S. interests on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks has been floated. The Capitol Police had already implemented enhanced security efforts in anticipation of potential threats associated with the 9/11 anniversary. Those measures went into effect prior to this latest announcement. You can expect that Capitol Police will remain visible and vigilant while applying a full range of security measures that will be adjusted appropriately as threat information is received and evaluated.
In the wake of 9/11, the Congressional community responded extremely well and partnered with the Capitol Police and others to maintain an increased level of vigilance throughout the Capitol Complex. Members, staff and visitors are urged to continue their vigilance and be observant for suspicious activities. You really are great partners and force multipliers. Remember, "if you see something, say something!" Immediately report suspicious activities to the U.S. Capitol Police at 202-224-0911 (911# from a Senate phone).
As we commemorate Patriot Day, it is also vitally important to honor those patriots, who on 9/11/01 made the ultimate sacrifice for this great country, by living our lives to the absolute fullest. We are citizens of the greatest country on Earth.
Finally, from a personal perspective and of immense importance, I share a family anecdote. Last night my wife, after seeing the news, said she did not want to take the Metro to work; a very normal first reaction. We talked. She was on the Red Line first thing this morning, just as so many of you were....
Thank you for your service and continued vigilance.
Terrance W. Gainer
Senate Sergeant at Arms
Officials are urging workers in Washington, D.C. to go about their business today, even with warnings about a possible terror attack timed to the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks. Here is an email sent by a top Congressional security official to staffers on Capitol Hill about the ...
