New York officials increased security over the weekend with no-drive/no-fly “frozen” zones, truck inspections and heavily armed police and military brigades, after reports of a credible, uncorroborated threat that al-Qaida was plotting an assault on the 10th anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attacks.
Lower Manhattan was virtually shut down to all vehicles, as victims’ families and a variety of dignitaries used the morning to mark the very moment of the attacks from 10 years ago. A powerful police presence was in full force at Grand Central Terminal, Penn Station, and all subways, tunnels and bridges throughout New York City. Although police continued to investigate all leads regarding the reports of a potential new attack, family members inside the New York memorial site said they felt only a presence of serenity and safe comfort.
Police had been looking for a missing U-Haul truck which was presumed to be part of the reported threat. But that vehicle was located late in the day in Maryland with no further information provided.
Although 9|11 came and went smoothly without any new threat being realized, authorities warned New York residents not to drop their guard simply because it’s now September 12th. Residents were warned to remain vigilant and on continued alert. They were also reminded of the motto: “If you SEE something, SAY something!”
