Emergency.Blog

Website Warns Of Attacks At NFL Games This Weekend; DHS Officials Doubtful

Website Warns Of Attacks At NFL Games This Weekend
Government Skeptical Of Threat Against NFL Stadiums...

WASHINGTON, DC: A Web site is claiming that seven NFL football stadiums will be hit with radiological dirty bombs this weekend, but the government on Wednesday expressed doubts about the threat.

The threat, posted Oct. 12, was part of an ongoing Internet conversation titled "New Attack on America Be Afraid." It mentioned NFL stadiums in New York, Miami, Atlanta, Seattle, Houston, Oakland and Cleveland, where games are scheduled to be held this weekend.

The Homeland Security Department alerted authorities and stadium owners in those cities, as well as the NFL, of the Web message but said the threat was being viewed "with strong skepticism." Homeland Security spokesman Russ Knocke said there was no intelligence that indicated such an attack was imminent, and that the alert was "out of an abundance of caution."

"The department strongly encourages the public to continue to go about their plans, including attending events that involve large public gatherings such as football games," Knocke said. The FBI also expressed doubt about the threat.

-- Source: (CBS 13 / AP), can be found at: http://cbs13.com/topstories/local_story_291155105.html

Earthquakes in Hawaii - 15 Oct 2006 - Update

EmergencyNet News Instant Update

10/15/2006 2:04:22 PM

Earthquakes in Hawaii - 15 Oct 2006 - Update

From the ERRI/EmergencyNetNews Global Watchdesk

Various reports are starting to come in to EmergencyNet News from Hawaii:

* A 6.5 earthquake is reported at a little after 0710 (local time) in the Hawaiian Islands...multiple aftershocks, of varying magnitudes were then reported.

* A "State of Emergency" is being declared by State Civil defense on the big Island at this time.

* There are no reports of major damage at this time. There are reports of some injuries, though the severity is not presently known. Assessment of the scope of the quake damage is still underway at this time.

* Kona Hospital and extended care facility are being evacuated at this time, due to "structural damage"

* Several highways have suffered damage and they are being assessed to determine if they will support traffic. The government is asking people to stay off the streets.

* Power is out on much of the "big Island," with HI Civil defense estimating that it will be 10-12 hours before it can be retored. A number of facilities are operating on generator power at this time.

* A number of internet connections to Hawaii appear to be off-line and people on the Islands are being asked to avoid using telephone lines so that they may be used by emergency services. The actual extent of power and internet outages is presently unclear.

* Emergency service agencies are responding to a number of requests for assistance and they are asking that telephones only be used in the event of emergency.

© Copyright, Emergency Response & Research Institute, 2006 - All Rights Reserved. Further public redistribution/publication without permission is prohibited by law. Permission IS granted for emergency, military, and other government agencies to reproduce this document for internal notification, training, education, or discussion purposes.

*FLASH* - Aircraft Hits Residential Building in New York City

EmergencyNet News *FLASH* Report

15:15EDT - 11 Oct 2006

Aircraft Hits Residential Building in New York City

NEW YORK, NY (Manhattan/Upper E. Side): According to as yet very fragmentary reports, a small aircraft of some kind has hit a building at 524 E. 72nd Street. The Fire Dept of New York has declared a third alarm and dozens of firefighters and EMS personnel are responding to the scene. There are believed to be injuries at the scene of the incident.

Few official details, including the type of aircraft and cause of the crash, are currently known. It is clear, however that multiple apartments or condos are burning in the vicinity of the 20th floor in a high-rise, and that a major rescue effort is underway at this time.

EmergencyNet News will bring you additional details as more official data becomes available

Emergency Response & Research Institute
EmergencyNet News Service
6348 N. Milwaukee Ave. #312
Chicago, IL 60646
(773) 631-ERRI - Voice/Messages
(773) 631-4703 - Facsimile
E-mail: webmaster@mail.emergency.com
Main Webpage: http://www.emergency.com

Terrorist plot busted: 7 ways police can learn from the incident

08/11/2006

Topics & Tactics for Law Enforcement
PoliceOne Exclusive: Terrorist plot busted: 7 ways police can learn from the incident

By Scott Buhrmaster
PoliceOne Managing Editor

Features interview with ERRI's Chief Clark Staten. Can be found at: http://www.policeone.com/terrorism/articles/509381

BREAKING: Series of Blasts Reported on Indian Commuter Trains

7/11 Blasts

EmergencyNet News *FLASH* Report
10:15CDT - 11 Jul 06

Series of Blasts Reported on Indian Commuter Trains

From the ERRI/EmergencyNet News Global Watchdesk
By C. L. Staten, Senior National Security Analyst

BOMBAY(MUMBAI), INDIA: In an incident that appears to be a repeat of the Madrid train bombings, seven explosions rocked Bombay's (Mumbai's) commuter rail network during Tuesday evening rush hour, ripping apart multiple trains. The first blast went off at about 18:30 local time (13:00GMT), during the peak of the evening rush hour in the suburbs on the busy Western Railway.

Officials also said the government is calling it a "terrorist incident." A senior Bombay police official, P.S. Pasricha, said the explosions were part of a "well-coordinated attack." The country's home minister told Indian television that authorities had information that an attack was coming but did not know the time or place.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the bombings, but the blasts came in quick succession a common tactic employed by Al-Qaeda and other "jihadist" militants that have repeatedly targeted Indian and other cities.

Witnesses reported seeing body parts strewn about stations, and Indian television news channels broadcast footage of bystanders carrying victims to waiting ambulances. The exact number of the stricken is not presently known.

Bombay's police chief said as many as 100 people are feared dead. Sadly, some rescue authorities said that the toll of dead and injured may yet rise as rescue operations continue. "We are busy in the rescue operation. Our first priority is to rescue the injured people," Bombay Police Chief A.N. Roy said.

EmergencyNet News is monitoring the rescue operations and investigation in Mumbai and we will bring you additional official details as they become available. Wire service, military, and emergency service agencies contributed to this report.

Additional reference, Mumbai Explosions

* 03/1/93-0600CST -- INDIAN BOMBINGS CAUSED BY "FOREIGN EXTREMISTS", ACCORDING TO POLICE, can be found at: http://www.emergency.com/bombay.htm

* Crisis in Kashmir: 2001-2002, Series of EmergencyNet News "Real-Time" Reports Concerning Escalating Tensions Between Pakistan and India -- 13 Dec 2001 to 19 Jan 2002, can be found at: http://www.emergency.com/2001/crisis_in_kashmir2001.htm

Series of "Real-Time" Reports Concerning Multiple Train Bombings Madrid, Spain, 11 March 2004, can be found at: http://www.emergency.com/2004/Madrid_bmb031104.htm

© Emergency Response & Research Institute
EmergencyNet News Service
6348 N. Milwaukee Ave. #312
Chicago, IL 60646
E-mail: webmaster@mail.emergency.com
Main Webpage: http://www.emergency.com

ERRI Assessment of the Aftermath in the Death of Abu Zarqawi

Thu 6/8/2006 10:18 AM

ERRI Assessment of the Aftermath in the Death of Abu Zarqawi

By C. L. Staten, ERRI Sr. National Security Analyst

CHICAGO, IL: Although there certainly should be congratulations and commendations in order for everyone in Central Command and the Iraq forces, Zarqawi's killing is not likely to end the insurgency.

In fact, our most current analysis would suggest that Zarqawi's death may, in fact, put even more pressure on Al-Qaeda to undertake one or more major attacks in order to show their continued relevance.

Every time the U.S. and her allies are able to kill/capture terrorist(s), it should not be forgotten that it is a victory in only one battle in a much larger war on terrorism. Events like Zarqawi's death often prompt retaliation and will continue to do so unless/until the West can convince the jihadists that their campaign is doomed to ultimate failure.

While we recognize Mr. Zarqawi's death as a victory, we must also warn about the possibility of a looming terrorist event...probably as soon as the jihadists are able to carry it out. -- Source: Police One, http://www.policeone.com/writers/columnists/ClarkStaten/articles/136145/  

Reference: "U.S. still mindful of Iraq terror tactics," By Katherine Shrader, Associated Press, Thu Jun 8, 7:28 AM ET

____________________________________________________________________________________________

Thu 6/8/2006 5:33 PM

HOMELAND SECURITY ANNOUNCEMENT

Press Office
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
June 8, 2006
Contact: DHS Press Office, 202-282-8010

Statement by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on domestic security following the death of Al-Zarqawi

The Department of Homeland Security continues to analyze intelligence and closely monitor events as they unfold overseas. At this time, there is no credible intelligence to suggest a specific or imminent threat to the homeland. The department assesses that Zarqawi’s death does not, in itself, directly increase the threat to the homeland at this time.

Information sharing with state and local partners remains a paramount priority for this department. We constantly assess information with our partners at the federal, state and local levels, and regularly provide information to community leaders and industry officials so that they can take the security measures they deem appropriate.

As President Bush has said, Zarqawi’s death is a victory in the global war on terror. We must also remember that we cannot become complacent as a society. I encourage Americans to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to authorities. -- Source: DHS