QUESTION:
What Special Steps Has the FBI Taken to Address Terrorist Threats This Summer?
06/25/04
It's a question we've
been asked a lot. Why? It's no secret. As Director Mueller said recently, "This
summer and fall our nation will celebrate a number of events that serve
as powerful symbols of our free and democratic society. Unfortunately,
the same events that fill most of us with hope and pride are seen by terrorists
as prime vehicles for sowing fear and chaos."
Special steps:
Beyond
the 24/7 readiness of our Joint Terrorism Task Forces (JTTFs), staffed
with federal, state, and local law enforcement and intelligence members,
in coordination with the National JTTF at FBIHQ...beyond the 24/7 coordination
of international and domestic threat information...beyond daily intelligence
gathering, analysis, and sharing by our Field Intelligence Groups in
our 56 field offices...beyond the readiness of our 48 Legal Attaché offices
overseas, we are doing the following:
-
We
have established the 2004 Threat Task Force, made up of FBI, Homeland
Security, and Intelligence Community personnel to focus on these specific
threats and to coordinate intelligence, analysis, and operations.
- Our
analysts at FBIHQ and in every field office are reviewing previously
collected intelligence to determine if clarity can be added based on
new information.
- We
have identified potential gaps in our available intelligence and tasked
our JTTFs and our partners in state and local law enforcement to collect
specific information that will help close them.
- We
are working with private industry to identify possible threats.
- As
part of our efforts to resolve outstanding intelligence questions,
we may interview some individuals--and here's where we need your help
and understanding.
"We need
the support of the American people," as Director Mueller
has said many times. First, to cooperate if you're called upon, as agents
will be reaching out to many across the nation to help gather information
and intelligence. Second, to be aware of your surroundings and report
anything suspicious.
Do you have
information that might help us? Please report it--either to
your nearest FBI field office or
law enforcement agency. Or, if you are located overseas, your closest FBI
Legal Attaché office in U.S. Embassies. Or, through our Submit
a Tip site.
Many thanks...and
we wish you safe and happy summer holidays.
Links: FBI
Counterterrorism | Most
Wanted Terrorists | Seeking
Terrorist Information
