TSA Statement on New York
News & Happenings
November 26, 2008
The Department of Homeland Security and Federal Bureau of Investigation issued a warning to state and local officials Nov. 25 about plausible but uncorroborated information that al-Qa'ida may have discussed in late September concerning the targeting of transit systems in and around New York City.
Neither DHS nor the FBI has any specific information to confirm that this plot has developed beyond aspirational planning.
The DHS-FBI warning was issued as a routine matter, and out of an abundance of caution going into this holiday season, so that local officials can make decisions they deem appropriate for their community.
There are no adjustments being made to the nation's threat level, or more specifically for transit systems at this time. However, transit passengers in larger metropolitan areas like New York may see an increased security presence in the coming days. This includes uniformed and plain clothed behavior detection officers, federal air marshals, canine teams, and security inspectors.
DHS and the FBI continue to corroborate this information, working closely with state and local partners, to follow every possible thread.
As a routine matter, we remind the public to be both thoughtful and vigilant of their surroundings, and to report anything suspicious to authorities.
