May 26, 2004

7 al-Qaida Suspects Sought in Attack Plan

America's top law enforcement officials urged the public Wednesday to help the FBI track down seven suspected al-Qaida operatives and avert an attack on U.S. soil that a stream of credible intelligence indicates could occur in the summer.

Attorney General John Ashcroft said the "disturbing" intelligence, collected for months, augments al-Qaida's own declaration that its plans for a devastating follow-up to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks are 90 percent complete. Ashcroft said that could mean terrorists already are in the United States to execute the plan, though he acknowledged there is no new information indicating when, where or how an attack might happen.

"Credible intelligence from multiple sources indicates that al-Qaida plans to attempt an attack on the United States in the next few months," Ashcroft said at a news conference with FBI Director Robert Mueller.

Ashcroft and Mueller announced an intensified level of counterterrorism activity for the summer. This includes interviews with individuals who could provide intelligence about terrorism, creation of a new FBI task force to focus on the threat and an appeal to all Americans to be extra vigilant about their surroundings, their neighbors and any suspicious activity.

Heads up, fellow Americans!
Be on the lookout for these 7 suspects.
And don't be afraid; be ready.

The political repercussions from the March 11 train bombings in Spain, which contributed to defeat of the ruling party in subsequent elections, could embolden al-Qaida to try to influence U.S. elections through attacks here, Ashcroft said.
[We all knew this was coming, so here it is.--Jen]

There is also concern about a number of high-profile summer events, beginning Saturday with dedication of the new World War II Memorial in Washington and next month's economic summit of the eight industrial powers, being held at Sea Island, Georgia. The Democratic and Republican conventions, in Boston and New York, also are potential targets.

And they forgot Fourth of July festivities everywhere, including the dedication of the new Freedom Tower at the old WTC site and there's also the re-opening of the Statue of Liberty for the first time since the 9/11 attacks sometime this summer.
But do not fear, America!
Lady Liberty's been holding her torch high all this time even if we couldn't see it from her insides.
We are going to beat these IslamoNazi b*stards.
As President Bush repeated the other night in his speech, We will prevail.