Threat Level Raised

Remarks by Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge; December 21, 2003

     In Focus: Homeland Security

Washington, DC - SECRETARY RIDGE: "Good afternoon. Today, the United States Government raised the national threat level from an Elevated to High risk of terrorist attack -- or as more commonly known, from a Yellow Code to an Orange Code.  We know from experience that the increased security that is implemented when we raise the threat level, along with increased vigilance, can help disrupt or deter terrorist attacks.  The U.S. intelligence community has received a substantial increase in the volume of threat-related intelligence reports. These credible sources suggest the possibility of attacks against the homeland around the holiday season and beyond.  The strategic indicators, including al-Qaida's continued desire to carry out attacks against our homeland, are perhaps greater now than at any point since September 11th, 2001.

The information we have indicates that extremists abroad are anticipating near-term attacks that they believe will either rival, or exceed, the attacks that occurred in New York and the Pentagon and the fields of Pennsylvania nearly two years ago.   Recent reporting reiterates and this is a constant stream of reporting, that al-Qaida continues to consider using aircraft as a weapon. And they are constantly evaluating procedures both in the United States and elsewhere to find gaps in our security posture that could be exploited. Our actions, our considerable actions, are directed against their efforts.  We have not raised the threat level in this country for six months, but I remind everyone we have raised it before. Homeland Security professionals and security professionals at all levels of government, federal, state or local, as well as the private sector, are hard at work to increase security in your community, state and across the entire nation.

Americans should know that along with this announcement comes action.  A specific plan goes into place as we speak. Most importantly, we share specific information with those who need it and who can act upon it.  Already, I have spoken to the nation's governors, your Homeland Security advisors, several mayors and other local officials and asked them to review the security measures they currently have in place and to increase protections to thwart terrorist attacks. And they are doing so.  In addition, we have made calls to officials from states and major cities, and will continue to do so; throughout the past week reminding them to be on heightened alert and now we have called upon them to increase their levels of security.  Leaders in the private sector that control resources critical to our country have -- they will be contacted today and provided with very specific measures for them to take to protect those resources and the communities in which those resources are located.  Where appropriate, we have also shared information with foreign countries to enlist their help in combating these terrorist threats.  All Federal departments and agencies are implementing action plans in response to the increase in the threat level.

We have enhanced security at our nation's airports and around other transportation systems and infrastructure. We will re-deploy agents and other resources at our borders to meet the current threat. There will be more Coast Guard air and sea patrols off our shores, in our ports, and escorting ships.  Now, obviously, I will not outline all of the actions that are being taken to protect our citizens. We will not broadcast our plans to the terrorists.  But extensive and considerable protections have been or soon will be in place all across the country.  I can assure you that your government will stand at the ready, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to stop terrorism during the holiday season and beyond.

Now, in addition to knowing that Homeland Security professionals at all levels are working to keep our communities safe, we do ask individual Americans to do a few additional things during this time of heightened alert.  I have said many times before that homeland security begins at home, and I guess that means I'm saying it again.  Your awareness and vigilance can help tremendously, so please use your common sense and report suspicious packages, vehicles, or activities to local law enforcement.  Go over your family emergency plans, and if you haven't developed one by now, please do so.  These kinds of precautions we think just make good sense. I can tell all of you from personal experience that those of us who were affected for several days during the hurricane season were glad to have done some advance planning to prepare.  Now, for those traveling during this holiday season let me thank you in advance for putting up with some inconveniences.  As we learned during the Thanksgiving holiday, additional security measures sometimes require additional patience.  But I think we did a pretty good job keeping things safe, and not too slow, at our airports and we believe that with your cooperation, the same will be true in the coming days and weeks.  And finally, no matter your faith or your culture, we know that now is the time of year for very, very important personal and family and community celebrations. So I encourage you to continue with your holiday plans. Gather with your family and friends and enjoy the spirit of the season.  There is no doubt that those of us fortunate to live in this country have a lot to be thankful for, not the least of which is the opportunity to live in the greatest country in the world.  America is a country that will not be bent by terror. America is a country that will not be broken by fear. But instead, America is a country blessed with citizens marked by goodwill and great resolve.  We will show the terrorists both during this holiday season goodwill toward our fellow men, and readiness and resolve to protect our families and our freedoms.

Thank you.