White House, TSA Release Statements On Potential Supsicious Packages
A statement from White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs issued moments ago:
Last night, intelligence and law enforcement agencies discovered potential suspicious packages on two planes in transit to the United States.
Based on close cooperation among U.S. government agencies and with our foreign allies and partners, authorities were able to identify and examine two suspicious packages, one in East Midlands, United Kingdom and one in Dubai.
Both of these packages originated from Yemen.
As a result of security precautions triggered by this threat, the additional measures were taken regarding the flights at Newark Liberty and Philadelphia International Airports.
The President was notified of a potential terrorist threat on Thursday night at 10:35, by John Brennan, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counter-terrorism.
The President directed U.S. intelligence and law enforcement agencies, and the Department of Homeland Security, to take steps to ensure the safety and security of the American people, and to determine whether these threats are a part of any additional terrorist plotting.
The President has received regular updates from his national security team since he was alerted to the threat.
Official TSA Statement on Suspicious Items Onboard Cargo Flights:
“The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is aware of and monitoring reports of potentially suspicious items onboard cargo flights that landed safely at Newark Liberty and Philadelphia International airports. Out of an abundance of caution the planes were moved to a remote location where they are being met by law enforcement officials and swept.”
DHS Statement on Increased Security Precautions
“As a precaution, DHS has taken a number of steps to enhance security. Some of these security measures will be visible while others will not. The public may recognize specific enhancements including heightened cargo screening and additional security at airports. Passengers should continue to expect an unpredictable mix of security layers that include explosives trace detection, advanced imaging technology, canine teams and pat downs, among others. As always, we remind the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement.”
Topics: 2010, Bubai, cargo flights, East Midlands, flights, Governance, government, Homeland Security, intelligence, law enforcement, Middle East, moniter, monitor, Newark Liberty Internation Airport, news, packages, Philadelphia Internationa Airport, planes, Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, public safety, security measures, society, suspicious packages, terror, terrorism, threats, Transportation Security Administration, TSA, United Kingdom, White House, Yemen
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