Like everyone in the Department of Homeland Security, Undersecretary Asa Hutchinson has had to hit the ground running amid continuing high alert levels in the United States and the prospect of imminent war with Iraq. Hutchinson, who headed the Drug Enforcement Administration until his swearing in as the Department of Homeland Security undersecretary for border and transportation Security on Jan. 23, is a former three-term U.S. Representative from Kansas. His position of responsibility for U.S. borders and transportation puts Hutchinson in the hot seat. There is a renewed fear of terrorists smuggling in radiological “dirty bombs” in through commercial shipping via one of America’s numerous ports. Meeting with New York City and state officials Monday, including Mayor Michael Bloomberg, New York City Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, and advisers to New York Gov. George Pataki, along with New Jersey officials, the new Homeland Security undersecretary noted the uniqueness of a city that for many people “represents America.” The uniqueness, however, also makes New York City a target as well, Hutchinson noted. Full Story
About OODA Analyst
OODA is comprised of a unique team of international experts capable of providing advanced intelligence and analysis, strategy and planning support, risk and threat management, training, decision support, crisis response, and security services to global corporations and governments.