Students put on alert during 9/11 weekend
Syracuse University’s Department of Public Safety advised students to remain on high alert during the 9/11 weekend.
In an email sent through SU News, DPS requested students report any suspicious activity in response to calls across the nation for increased vigilance, as Sunday marked the 10th anniversary of 9/11.
Suspicious activities including vehicles parked in unusual locations, unattended packages, individuals running with valuable items or talk of criminal or terrorist acts were to be reported to DPS, according to the email.
DPS could not be reached for comment.
Security across the nation has been heightened in an effort to keep Americans feeling safe. Since Wednesday, counterterrorism officials have pursued a tip concerning a possible terrorist attack on Washington, D.C., and New York City, according to an Associated Press article published Saturday.
As of Sunday, no intelligence has confirmed the tip, which included claims that two U.S citizens are among the would-be terrorists, according to the AP article.
James McJunkin, assistant director of the FBI field office in Washington, told the AP that the tip and response were routine. Due to the approaching anniversary of 9/11, however, more attention and publicity was given to the tip.
Security was tight when President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama entered New York City for Sunday’s commemorative events at the World Trade Center site, according to an email sent out by the White House press pool traveling with the Obamas. Much of Lower Manhattan was in a ‘frozen zone’ state; police stood on nearly every corner and there were checkpoints and limited mobility for motorists and pedestrians.
Hackers posted false tweets regarding a suspected hijacking and plane attack near ground zero to NBC News’ Twitter feed Friday evening, according to a second AP article published that day. In a statement released through NBC Universal, NBC News apologized ‘for the scare that could have been caused by such a reckless and irresponsible act issued.’
The Twitter account was temporarily suspended until 7 p.m. Saturday. The tweets were removed once the account was restore.
NBC contacted the New York Police Department and FBI to investigate the incident, according to the article.
Published on September 11, 2011 at 12:00 pm
Contact Debbie: dbtruong@syr.edu | @debbietruong
