Major U.S. Cities Unaware of New Terror Plot

Officials in major U.S. cities from New York to Los Angeles said they had not been informed of any heightened security concern despite the government’s announcement on Wednesday of possible domestic terror attacks in the coming months. The mixed signals and lack of communication between Washington and key states highlight a need for a better system to boost public confidence when security alerts are issued, the top homeland security expert at the investigative arm of the U.S. Congress said. “Many people think the current system of relaying threat alerts to the public could be improved,” said Randall Yim, head of homeland security and justice team at the General Accounting Office. “Many times the intelligence information simply isn’t detailed enough.” “When the chiefs of police in major cities are not informed about the current threat, it undermines the system.” Such confusion was evident in statements from officials across America, even as Bush administration officials warned of a terrorist attack this summer. Full Story