Homeland Security

Risk of Terrorist Attack in U.S. Lowered One Level

(Decision based on review of intelligence, measures to blunt threat)
(740)
The U.S. terrorist threat level has been lowered one step to
"elevated" risk -- or code yellow -- based on a review of intelligence
reports, an assessment of potential threats, and efforts to thwart
specific threats, Attorney General John Ashcroft and Homeland Security
Secretary Tom Ridge said February 27 in a joint statement.
The U.S. government raised its terrorist threat level to the
second-highest threat level on a five-point scale -- code orange or a
"high risk" -- on February 7.
"The lowering of the threat level is not a signal to government, law
enforcement or citizens that the danger of a terrorist attack is past.
Returning to the elevated level of risk is only an indication that
some of the extra protective measures enacted by government and the
private sector may be reduced at this time," the joint statement said.
Ashcroft and Ridge said the threat to the United States and its
interests is still significant.
Following is the text of the statement:
(begin text)
U.S. Department of Justice
Washington, D.C.
February 27, 2003
JOINT STATEMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL JOHN ASHCROFT AND SECRETARY OF
HOMELAND SECURITY TOM RIDGE
Washington -- Based on a review of intelligence and an assessment of
threats by the intelligence community, the Attorney General in
consultation with the Homeland Security Council has made the decision
to return the threat level to an elevated risk of terrorist attack, or
"yellow" level.
The decision to raise the threat level on February 7 was based on
specific intelligence, corroborated by multiple intelligence sources,
received and analyzed by the full intelligence community at the time.
Today's decision to lower the threat level was based on a careful
review of how this specific intelligence has evolved and progressed
over the past three weeks, as well as counter-terrorism actions we
have taken to address specific aspects of the threat situation. Among
the factors we considered was the passing of the time period in or
around the end of the Hajj, a Muslim religious period ending
mid-February 2003.
The lowering of the threat level is not a signal to government, law
enforcement or citizens that the danger of a terrorist attack is past.
Returning to the elevated level of risk is only an indication that
some of the extra protective measures enacted by government and the
private sector may be reduced at this time.
We emphasize that the United States and its interests are still at a
significant risk of terrorist attack. Detained al-Qaeda operatives
have informed U.S. intelligence and law enforcement officials that
al-Qaeda will wait until it believes Americans are less vigilant and
less prepared before it will strike again. For this reason, and for
the safety and security of our nation, Americans must continue to be
defiant and alert. We must always be prepared to respond to a
significant risk of terrorist attacks.
The American people serve as our strongest defense against terrorism.
We ask all citizens to be aware of any suspicious activity and to
report it to local authorities or the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The nation's Homeland Security Advisory System provides a national
framework to inform and facilitate the decisions of federal, state and
local government as well as private individuals at home and at work.
The system indicates protective measures commensurate with the current
threat level to be taken to reduce the nation's vulnerability to
terrorist attack.
At the elevated risk level, significant security measures will remain
in place at all federal agencies. Examples of these include:
-- A focus on critical facilities and vulnerabilities, with security
and surveillance tailored to meet specific intelligence reports and
security needs.
-- Continued increased surveillance.
-- Random inspections of passenger vehicles entering parking lots and
restricted parking as necessary.
-- Continued coordination of emergency plans with state and federal
jurisdictions and private sector partners.
-- One hundred percent identification check of personnel entering
facilities.
-- Screening procedures remain in place for incoming office mail and
other deliverables.
We thank all federal, state and local government and law enforcement
officials, representatives of the private sector, and individual
citizens for your patience and resolve. Know that your efforts are
making a difference. And know, as well, that through our collective
efforts, we send a signal to those who would do us harm that America
stands alert, united, and prepared.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)