Reports: Boston Could be Terror Target

By Associated Press

September 21, 2001, 6:47 AM EDT

BOSTON -- U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft warned the mayor and the acting governor that terrorist strikes could be attempted in Boston in the coming days, though he stressed that no specific threats had been made, according to published reports.

Ashcroft made separate calls Thursday to acting Gov. Jane Swift and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino to inform them the government had information about possible attacks, The Boston Globe and the Boston Herald reported Friday, citing sources that weren't identified.

The Globe said the attacks could be planned for this weekend; the Herald mentioned Friday and Saturday. Authorities have said Sept. 22 -- Saturday -- emerged as an important date in evidence found during investigations into the hijackers.

Menino confirmed Ashcroft called him Thursday but would not say what they discussed. Justice Department spokeswoman Mindy Tucker confirmed Ashcroft and Swift had talked, but refused to elaborate.

"People should not be alarmed," Menino told the Globe. "At this point, people should go about their daily routines. The police will be observant."

A few days after four commercial airliners were hijacked and crashed, the FBI warned the cities of Atlanta, Richmond, Va., and Boston about possible strikes. But the warnings were rescinded.

On Thursday, the FBI issued new warnings to local law enforcement to be on guard against possible attacks. Authorities said the warning was not based on any evidence of a direct threat but rather on raw information that there could be more strikes.

Authorities said at least four people targeted by the terror investigation were booked on one or more flights leaving San Antonio, Texas, for California or Denver on Saturday.

But on Wednesday, sources told The Associated Press they had no information suggesting attacks were planned for Saturday in other cities, a day with many college football games and the Miss America contest scheduled. It was unclear whether new information has emerged since then. Copyright © 2001, The Associated Press

-- Anonymous, September 21, 2001

Answers

Oh sure, someone from D.C. said we had a problem, but the local pols spent the day scrambling to make sure people would ignore the possibilities. Quiet so far. Especially those empty hotels.

-- Anonymous, September 21, 2001

I'm sure they know Brooks lives there and they wouldn't dare piss her off.

-- Anonymous, September 21, 2001

Brooks, I thought it was important info for you to know and hope all stays well were you are. I agree with Old Git! ;)

-- Anonymous, September 22, 2001

Maggie, thanks. I had to laugh. Git left me a voicemail about midday, something along the line of, of course I knew that Boston was under high alert. I actually wasn't quite that aware of it because, thanks to the Nimda virus, I hadn't been on-line yet, although I had certainly heard a number of rumors.

Saturday evening, and all's quiet so far. But working on prep stuff.

-- Anonymous, September 22, 2001

Brooks, I had read an article on TB yesterday and I believe it said Boston harbor was being paroled by boats against possible problems. I think the article was posted by, of all names for a handle, dimple butt.

-- Anonymous, September 25, 2001

Maggie, the harbor was shut down for a few hours, during the first weekend, I believe. TPTB couldn't find anything. However, it is a major shipping (oil and natural gas) and cruise boat channel. I think the QE2 was trying to make her way in, having been stranded somewhere on the 11th. Also a Coast Guard station. And the berthing of the USS Constitution (Old Ironsides). And Logan Airport lines one side of the harbor.

I didn't hear anyone mention anything specific, but I have understood the natural gas tankers to be the most dangerous cargo we receive, and that normally all traffic is stopped to let them. Something along the lines that if one of those babies blew, well, there wouldn't be much left to Boston. My high rise is pretty close to the harbor. Great views when the tall ships come in. Fortunately for now I have an inside office, so flying glass isn't much of a problem.

-- Anonymous, September 25, 2001

Hi, just found the article from TB. I am going to start a new thread with it. It does mention Boston. Sounds like a wonderful view from your office!

-- Anonymous, September 25, 2001