Joint Statement of Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge and Attorney General John Ashcroft

Release Date: 05/28/04 00:00:00

For Immediate Release
Press Office
Contact: 202-282-8010
May 28, 2004

We are entering a season of symbolic events that could be attractive targets for terrorism.  In the months to come, we will hold significant national celebrations, host important international meetings, and conduct our democratic political process leading to our elections. Credible intelligence from multiple sources indicates that al-Qaeda plans to attempt an attack on the United States during this period.

The Departments of Homeland Security and Justice, in partnership with the FBI, CIA, the Terrorist Threat Integration Center and other agencies, jointly review threat information each and every day.  Based on this credible intelligence we have made additional efforts in recent months.  We are working together, and we will take all necessary actions to protect the American people, including raising the threat level or alerting the public to be on the lookout for possible terrorist suspects, whenever warranted by the information we receive.

We have improved intelligence collection and sharing, enabling government agencies to better prevent terrorist attacks and protect the American people.  Specific intelligence is the foundation for effective counter-terrorism strategies such as hardening targets, disrupting cells, elevating threat levels and alerting State and local law enforcement.

We have reached out to State and local homeland security and law enforcement officials to help in these efforts.  This week we asked these officials, along with the general public, for their help in identifying seven individuals associated with al-Qaeda that are sought in connection with possible terrorist threats within the United States. If citizens see suspicious activity, they should report it to their local police department, sheriff's office or the FBI.  Public awareness is an important element in helping to disrupt terrorist plans.

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