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NEWSWIRE
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Transit systems bump up security as cautionary measure |
12.02.2008 
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WASHINGTON--Officials in New York and Washington last week increased security in subway and rail stations after federal authorities warned of "uncorroborated but plausible information" received in late September about a possible al-Qaeda attack. The Washington Post reported that the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security issued the warning to state and local officials, saying that al-Qaeda may have discussed targeting New York City transit systems, DHS and New York police spokespeople told the publication.
DHS spokeswoman Amy Kudwa said no specific information confirmed the plot developed beyond "aspirational planning." She said the warning was issued as a matter of caution.
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In a statement, the New York Police Department that it was aware of an unsubstantiated report and cited "an abundance of caution" in deploying additional resources in local transit systems, but characterized the move as a "not uncommon" response to threat information.
DHS said federal and state authorities were investigating and a federal law enforcement official said no arrests had been made.
Officials in New York and Washington said transit passengers in both cities and five others with subway systems would see an increased police presence over the coming weeks. This coincides with random bag searches and other security measures instituted in Washington before this month's election and the presidential inauguration in January, the newspaper reported.
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| SECURITY DIRECTOR NEWS INFO CENTER |
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