TA-THREATS: Government Agencies Still Not Communicating

Officials at the Department of Homeland Security were taken by surprise when FBI Director Robert Mueller and Attorney General John Ashcroft made the announcement that likelihood of another terrorist attack was increasing. Before their press conference Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge had told an interviewer that the threats were "not the most disturbing that I have personally seen during the past couple of years."

Houston Chronicle
Officials said the Homeland Security Department knew in advance about the news conference but expected it to focus on seven suspects with ties to al-Qaida who were wanted for arrest or questioning. Department officials were caught off guard when Ashcroft went further and warned that al-Qaida "is ready to attack the United States."

The news conference, which excluded Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge, raised concerns in Washington that his department was not coordinating the domestic fight against terrorism, which was confusing the message for the public and for local authorities.

It makes me wonder if they are looking at the same reports or view the information differently. Perhaps they should at least get on the telephone and get their stories straight.


[Edited on 5-28-2004 by Valhall]

[Edited on 5-28-2004 by Valhall]