The AP is reporting that the FBI is currently working on “plausible but unsubstantiated” intelligence indicating that a terrorist attack or a series of terrorist attacks may be planned for the mass transit system of New York in the coming days and weeks. As one might expect, the information being disseminated is vague and the only real indications are that the intelligence gathered was specific enough to merit concern — and action.
As a result of the internal report, New York transit officials have increased security and police presence in the subways as well as on the commuter rails that run in and out of New York City. Other indications were that the information that comprised the threat may not have been obtained within the United States. Given the global reach of both al-Qaida and the U.S. agencies that are attempting to monitor the group’s communications, it is impossible to guess where such information may have been obtained. Even less clear is the context of the threat itself and whether it was in the planning stages or has moved further along the path toward actually carrying it out.
There have been a number of threats and thwarted attacks involving the New York mass transit system over the years, including attempts to release cyanide poison in the subway system and a plan to blow up the Brooklyn Bridge. Given the size of the transit system and the number of people that it carries everyday, the process of increasing security while maintaining order and operational efficiency is daunting. At this time of year, it may be difficult to increase real security, outside of adding a few uniformed officers to help reassure travelers and deter would-be attackers.
