NYC Warned of 'Emergency' Threat (Scary)

ABC News ^ | June 20, 2002

[max_rpf]

NYC on Alert for Emergency Vehicle Car Bombs

N E W   Y O R K, June 20 — Police and fire officials in New York are being warned that terrorists may be trying to acquire surplus or replica emergency vehicles to use as car bombs that could be planted near government buildings or landmarks without drawing attention.

A law enforcement source confirmed a report in The New York Daily News today that officials were alerted to the plot when two unidentified Middle Eastern men tried to buy a replica ambulance at a northern New Jersey shop that builds copies of emergency vehicles, police cars and fire trucks.

The owner of the shop became suspicious when the men tried to pay cash, and the pair fled without leaving any identification, the source told the News.

"This is a real concern. Terrorists have used ambulances to sneak suicide bombers into areas," the souce told the newspaper.

Among the sites officials fear could be targeted are City Hall, FBI offices, police department headquarters and even fire department facilities.

Fire department and police investigators have already begun efforts to ensure that unauthorized people cannot gain access to facilities where emergency vehicles are stored or repaired, fire department sources told the News.

"We've been told to watch our vehicles, all our vehicles," a fire department source said. "It's the vehicles that can get into areas that we are really concerned about. Who is not going to let a patrol car pass, or an ambulance, especially if we are in a state of emergency?"

The alert comes as the city is gearing up for July Fourth festivities, which generally draw huge crowds to fireworks displays around Manhattan.

[Sir Gawain]

Whew. Thank God for the Second Amendment so normal folks can defend—wait, this is New York. Never mind.

[Sir Gawain]

So if you're being chased by a cop car, my advice would be to avoid getting pulled over at all costs. It could be terrorists.

[max_rpf]

Why does this shop build 'replicas' anyway. You figure with all of the NY/NJ crime the FBI would be monitoring this place all of the time. These would make the perfect getaway vehicle. They probably make them for the Movies...

[KissOfTheSith]

>...two unidentified Middle Eastern men tried to buy a replica ambulance ...

-- KotS

[max_rpf]

I have to say that I think that when we are thinking of future terrorist plots we should overlay 'Dr. Evil' on our assumption of how these people think. Next thing you know they will be trying to build a giant "Laser".

They would pick emergency workers to deliver the next attack, it is so 'diabolical'.

[Mudboy Slim]

"The owner of the shop became suspicious when the men tried to pay cash..."

Good for him!! When the Leftists chide Dubyuh for recommending folks keep their eyes and ears open, this can be used as an example of what he means.

FReegards...MUD

[colorado tanker]

This is scary. There are still way too many office buildings where you can drive right into a parking garage or loading dock. An emergency vehicle poses an even scarier scenario - blowing up in or beside an Independence Day parade.

[white trash redneck]

"The owner of the shop became suspicious when the men tried to pay cash..."

Do you mean that this shop owner engaged in (gasp!) racial profiling??!! Arrest that man immediately for a hate crime.

[white trash redneck]

"The owner of the shop became suspicious when the men tried to pay cash..."

Do you mean that this shop owner engaged in (gasp!) racial profiling??!! Arrest that man immediately for a hate crime.

[swarthyguy]

Combine this with all the reports of stolen ID's, INS stamps, and uniforms and you have to start checking the uniformed ones for validity pretty soon. A blonde bosnian or euroam convert could wreck havoc with the proper fake papers, uniforms and demeanour.

[Exit148]

My concern now is that these guys would try to steal one of these emergency vehicles. I hope the lots are well-locked and patrolled by dogs. (Maybe leave some fresh pork in the vehicles?)

[StriperSniper]

:-)

[TomGuy]

Well, one thing that seems to be working in our favor is that these would-be terrorists,

aren't the sharpest pencils in the box,
are a few bricks shy of a full load,
their elevators don't quite go to the top floor.

Ah, well, somewhere in the Middle East there are villages missing their resident idiot.

[max_rpf]

What the dept needs is to strictly enforce a buddy system and a daily password. Sounds kind of 'tree-fortish', but it would probably work...

[firebrand]

My subway train skipped the 72nd Street station this morning because of a police investigation. We went whizzing through a totally empty express station that is usually teeming with people. Ghostly . . . I looked around the car to make sure all the windows were shut.

[freeperfromnj]

A blonde bosnian or euroam convert could wreck havoc with the proper fake papers, uniforms and demeanour.

Do you think they have that same will to commit suicide that the middle eastern terrorists have?

[Former Proud Canadian]

You are absolutely correct about this. The bottom line is that these guys are 10th century assassins. They are unaccustomed to western ways and invariably stick out like sore thumbs.

They are being led by a bunch of fanatics who blame their ills on the US, the Jews, and western society. These guys are still pissed about the Battle of Tours (their side lost). Does anyone really think they can't be defeated?

[max_rpf]

Why haven't they released COMPOSITE SKETCHES of these POS?

This is a really hard place not to:

1. Come in contact with the media
2. Not come into contact with someone who has

Thinking about it, why haven't they released sketches of the dive-shop guys? I think that the News Papers should be asked to run a sheet every day with these guy's mug shots...

Also, if you are a business owner BUY A DIGITAL CAMERA and take shots of anyone that you think is suspicious.

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

Whew. Thank God for the Second Amendment so normal folks can defend—wait, this is New York. Never mind.

Depending upon what happens in the next months/years, this may change considerable, with or without the consent of the legislature there.

[Aliska]

aren't the sharpest pencils in the box, are a few bricks shy of a full load, their elevators don't quite go to the top floor.

Don't count on it. They will learn from their mistakes. Will we?

[max_rpf]

Another upper left sider! It is nice to know that I am not alone up here!

[Pharmboy]

This is a tactic borrowed from the anti-Israel campaign. Don't be surprised if they do not borrow a few others.

[TxBec]

the lights are flashing, the guardrail is down, but there is no train :)

[Aliska]

Also, if you are a business owner BUY A DIGITAL CAMERA and take shots of anyone that you think is suspicious.

Granddaughter's friend worked in a local gas station owned by Arabs. She was held up at gunpoint. She asked them to put in a camera. They refused. She quit.

[Pharmboy]

I'm on the yupper other side of town...

[Pharmboy]

I'm on the yupper other side of town...

[Travis McGee]

True, they are not very smart, but they don't need to be.

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

I have to say that I think that when we are thinking of future terrorist plots we should overlay 'Dr. Evil' on our assumption of how these people think. Next thing you know they will be trying to build a giant "Laser".

They would pick emergency workers to deliver the next attack, it is so 'diabolical'.

Good points. These jokers are diabolical, to be sure, but not necessarily very clever. I for one can't wait for the US government to declare the hunting season open.

[GingisK]

Do you think they have that same will to commit suicide that the middle eastern terrorists have?

Drive it in, park it, set the timer, walk away. Back to play another day. Not all of those thugs are senseless.

[NautiNurse]

Why does this shop build 'replicas' anyway.

That was my question first question too. I seem to recall this terrorist concern soon after 9-11 as well.

[swarthyguy]

I hope not but the indoctrination process is very severe. And even if not blondes, then spanish heritage or black americans converts could do a convincing job as well.

[max_rpf]

The solution then is old-west style wanted posters, complete with rewards. Those gang-bangers might just find a more rewarding business model. Print a full sheet in the Daily News...

[swarthyguy]

I think you need a vacation in Kashmir.

[Lower55]

"God, I love Pork" would be a good password.

[Julliardsux]

BEWARE OF ICE CREAM TRUCKS... I was thinking yesterday how they get no scrutiny, are parked there all day, right on wall street area.

[freeper12]

IMO, how these will be used (if indeed it does happen) is as a follow-up bombing...picture this, a bomb is set off someplace (i.e. a regular truck bomb), the fbi, atf, police, fire respond etc.

While all those safety/law enforcement people are scrambling to perform their duties, thats when the second dummy ambulance/fire-engine rolls in and blows up...while everyones guard is down and they expect to see emergency vehicles racing to the scene..

Just a thought.

[Howlin]

Stay safe.

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

I think you need a vacation in Kashmir.

Thanks, but I'm a home boy.

[Lower55]

Democrats and the environmentalist should be extra careful when in large groups.

These terorists are probably very upset with them for stealing their agenda.

[Howlin]

Like yesterday in Israel? The guy got dropped off and just walked into the crowd and blew himself up.

[Lower55]

Sounds like you're speaking about Gerald Nadler.

[Mitchell]

Ping.

This is a tactic used by the Palestinians.

[cmak9]

"(Maybe leave some fresh pork in the vehicles?)"

A little "fresh pork" would probably solve a LOT of our terrorist problems!

[Howlin]

LOL.........that visual is NOT a pretty one!

[max_rpf]

You mean the ROUS? (I have been dying for a chance to use that one!)

[Dog Gone]

Meanwhile, my son was frisked several times yesterday at the airport, wanded, and was told to remove his laptop from his carry-on bag after it was x-rayed.

After all that, I found out he had made it onboard with an aerosol can, something which is verboten.

Sometimes I think we're like the French, always preparing to fight the last war over again. The enemy is thinking of new tactics.

[El Sordo]

Probably for the movie business.

[varon]

aren't the sharpest pencils in the box,
are a few bricks shy of a full load,
their elevators don't quite go to the top floor.

Ah, well, somewhere in the Middle East there are villages missing their resident idiot.

Well, with all due respect to you and your very self centered observation remember that the above charecterized people caused 9-11 and the highly civilized, intelligent with all the modern & sophisticated technology people on our side couldn't stop them.