Embassies on alert after bin Laden's death
WASHINGTON — The State Department early today put U.S. embassies on alert and warned of the heightened possibility for anti-American violence after the killing of al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden by American forces in Pakistan.
In a worldwide travel alert released shortly after President Barack Obama late Sunday announced bin Laden's death in a U.S. military operation, the department said there was an “enhanced potential for anti-American violence given recent counterterrorism activity in Pakistan.”
“Given the uncertainty and volatility of the current situation, U.S. citizens in areas where recent events could cause anti-American violence are strongly urged to limit their travel outside of their homes and hotels and avoid mass gatherings and demonstrations,” it said.
The alert said U.S. embassy operations would continue “to the extent possible under the constraints of any evolving security situation.”
It noted that embassies and consulates may temporarily close or suspend public services, depending on conditions.
New York City
Some local law enforcement agencies in the U.S. were adding security measures Monday following Osama bin Laden's death, out of what one called "an abundance of caution."
In Los Angeles, police were stepping up intelligence monitoring, and New Yorkers will see extra police at their airports, bridges and the World Trade Center site itself.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey said it will add more police at the facilities it runs, which include the airports, the George Washington Bridge and ground zero. The measures aren't response to any current threat and all the facilities will operate normally otherwise, the Port Authority said.
"This response is not based on a current threat, but out of an abundance of caution until we have the chance to learn more," the agency said.
Eighty-four Port Authority employees died in the attack on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.
New York Police Commissioner Ray Kelly issued a message to all police commands reminding them that while there's no information indicating a specific threat to the nation's biggest city, officers should remain alert.
Los Angeles
In Los Angeles, a top counterterrorism commander said police will be stepping up intelligence monitoring.
Assistant Commanding Officer Blake Chow, who heads the department's counterterrorism and special operations bureau, said Sunday night that officers will be keeping a close ear on intelligence buzz to develop immediate response plans accordingly.
Philadelphia
Police in Philadelphia say they're stepping up security checks on religious buildings in the wake of the death of al-Qaida chief Osama bin Laden.
Lt. Ray Evers says the police commissioner's office instituted hourly checks on the city's mosques and synagogues following President Barack Obama's announcement about the terror chief's death.
Evers says no problems have been reported but the heightened alert will remain in effect until further notice.
Officials at Philadelphia International Airport did not report any changes in security procedures but referred questions to the Department of Homeland Security. An email to DHS was not immediately returned early Monday.
Pittsburgh police say they're asking citizens to remain alert and report suspicious activity.