Highlights
– Thefts of official credentials and equipment reinforce potential for insider infiltration
– Officials utilize sweeping surveillance, aviation restrictions, and NSL’s to boost security
– Suicide bombers and VBIED’s continue to represent formidable threat to soft targets
With roughly 73,000 people expected to enter the University of Phoenix Stadium for the February 3, 2008 Super Bowl in Glendale, Arizona, and with half a million travelers visiting the area this week, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and local officials are boosting security to an unprecedented level. While ramped up security is typical for highly trafficked events or celebrations, a recent US Intelligence Community assessment is reminding officials of the potential for terrorists to impersonate security.
The assessment points to several cases of theft in Arizona since 2004 where government and security property were stolen. According to the report, the Arizona Counterterrorism Information Center states that more than 300 cases of theft have been reported since 2004. Among the reported stolen items include official credentials and uniforms from first responders, military, police and fire personnel.
Officials reaffirm that such thefts are normal in metropolitan areas. However, elements of insider access are often found in recent terror plots. Understanding this potential threat will better prepare authorities to secure this week’s Super Bowl activities.
Insider Access: A Key Component for Recent Terror Plots
The following plots and criminal operations emphasize the central importance of utilizing insider access to gain first hand surveillance or access to highly sensitive areas.
• October 16, 2007: US officials arrested 18 individuals, including 10 airline workers at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), on charges of international drug smuggling and distribution (Previous Report).
• June 1, 2007: A former employee at JFK devised a plan to bomb fuel lines underneath the airport based off his apparent knowledge of the site’s layout (Previous Report).
• May 10, 2007: US authorities charged six foreign-born Muslims on allegations of conspiring to kill US soldiers by launching an attack on the Fort Dix army base located in New Jersey. The group utilized a cell member’s family that owned a pizzeria located near Fort Dix to conduct surveillance (Previous Report).
• May 2005: At a NASCAR race in Talladega, Alabama, an individual penetrated restricted areas by wearing a hat and jacket with the FBI emblem (Source).
• August 4, 2004: Al Qaeda operative Dhiren Barot created a terrorist plot to bomb Washington DC, New York City and New Jersey. Barot tasked one associate to gain employment at a hotel to learn how to disable emergency systems and another to gain employment as a fuel tanker truck driver.
With up to 35,000 media personnel, stadium employees and vendors gaining credentials for the event, the Super Bowl is an attractive target for terrorists seeking a cover for surveillance and insider access.
Surveillance and Aviation Restrictions
Although there is no credible threat of an attack, authorities are taking several measures to enhance security.
• A Virginia based international defense and security provider, Allied Defense Group Inc., announced that its California surveillance subsidiary was contracted to provide surveillance systems at this year’s Super Bowl. The system utilizes fixed, mobile and aerial video sensors and will provide live feeds to federal and local government, and law enforcement agencies (Source).
• Glendale Municipal Airport’s close proximity to the stadium has caused the FAA to establish a 30-nautical mile radius flight restriction (TFR) around Phoenix from 3:00 to 10:30 pm on the day of the game. The Glendale Municipal and Phoenix Goodyear airports will cease all operations during that period.
• In 2005, FBI officials utilized National Security Letters (NSL), under the USA Patriot Act, to obtain information on hotel reservations and flight information. While such measures are confidential, it is likely that the FBI will conduct similar background checks for visitors coming to the Glendale and Phoenix area (Source).
Large Scale Events Difficult to Fully Secure
Despite efforts to boost security, large-scale events in heavily trafficked metropolitan areas will always represent an attractive soft target for terrorists. Suicide bombings and vehicle born improvised explosive devices (VBIED) represent the likely method for an attack. Such an attack would inflict mass casualties, halt business operations, cause instant panic in the area, and receive widespread media attention.
While these types of attacks are difficult to prevent, security officials are confident that the implemented layers of security, coupled with an enhanced sense of vigilance, will contribute to maintaining safety for this week’s football festivities in Arizona.
