Can you say, "Diversion"? I knew you could!

[daverbee]

Ridge: 'Credible' Intel Points To Attack To Affect Election
Terror Advisory Scale Will Stay At Yellow, Ridge Says

POSTED: 10:51 am EDT July 8, 2004
UPDATED: 11:40 am EDT July 8, 2004

WASHINGTON -- Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said Thursday that al-Qaida is actively working to disrupt the November elections.

"Credible reporting now indicates al-Qaida is carrying out plans for a large-scale attack in the United States to affect the democratic process," Ridge said at a Thursday morning briefing.

He said it's clear that al-Qaida has the capability to carry out such an attack.

"They also hold the mistaken belief that their attacks will have an impact on the American resolve," he said.

Ridge said the intelligence community is lacking knowledge as to a time, method or place for an attack. He said agents are "actively working" to answer those questions.

Ridge said that despite the threat, the terrorism advisory scale will not change from yellow (elevated) to orange (high). He added that there is no specific information indicating that al-Qaida is targeting either the Democratic National Convention later this month in Boston or the Republican National Convention a month later in New York.

The White House said Thursday that the United States is tightening security in the face of a steady stream of intelligence indicating al-Qaida may seek to mount an attack aimed at disrupting elections.

The Department of Homeland Security is addressing the threat and has efforts under way to "ramp up security," White House spokesman Scott McClellan said.

Ridge said the Bush administration based its decision to bolster security on "credible" reports about al-Qaida's plans, coupled with the pre-election terrorist attack in Spain earlier this year and recent arrests in England, Jordan and Italy.

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist told reporters after a briefing for senators on intelligence matters that the announcement is not reason for "panic or paralysis."

"The country is at some increased risk between now and the time of the presidential election," he said. "It's important for people to be aware of that."