Government Skeptical of Threat Against NFL Stadiums

[LynnieD]

Oh goodie...


WASHINGTON (AP) -- 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 warning, 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 for 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.

The nation's alert level remains at yellow, signaling an elevated risk of an attack. The threat level for airline flights is at orange, a higher level, where it has been since a foiled plot to bomb U.S.-bound commercial jets was revealed on Aug. 10.

http://community.livejournal.com/ohnotheydidnt/

[Sojiita]

I have always thought stadiums would be (unfortunately) a good target. Not only for immediate damage..but can you imagine what a panic would do in a stadium packed with tens of thousands?*shudder* Especially one that would be enclosed where smoke/fire would be trapped.

[LynnieD]

Me too Soj. Thought 'what an easy target'!

Once, I was at an SU football game in the Carrier Dome and the game had just ended, and 40,000 people were filing out of their seats (including myself and hubby) and someone yells 'HES GOT A GUN!!!' and you have never seen people hit the decks like that in your life. I hit the floor too....and was scared to freaking death. Turned out to be a JOKE, but was scary has hell and I will never forget it. Ever since then I have thought about the possibility of a gunman or terrorist shit. That's a lot of people hit at one time you know?? Not cool.