RILEY RESPONDS TO ELEVATED SECURITY THREAT LEVEL

Responding to the United States Governments raising of the national threat level of potential terrorist attacks from an elevated level of risk (code yellow) to a high level of risk (code orange), Governor Bob Riley today directed the Alabama Department of Homeland Security to coordinate increased protection measures at specific locations around Alabama. "I do not know of a specific threat to Alabama at this time," Governor Riley said, "however, we have enough general information about terrorist areas of interest that we need to take the precautionary steps of increasing security at our major airports and other potential high risk targets." The Alabama Department of Homeland Security, a Governor Riley initiative and the first of its kind in the Nation, is working with the Alabama National Guard, the Alabama Department of Public Safety, the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, and other state and local resources to heighten alert levels, increase patrolling and surveillance, and man potential areas of interest. "Governor Riley has directed us to augment federal and local security efforts with state assets at the Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery, and Mobile airports," Homeland Security Director Jim Walker announced, "and we are working with our federal partners in determining additional locations Governor Riley may elect to deploy state resources and assets." Governor Riley regrets this latest raising of the terrorist threat level coincides with the Holiday season. "I am hopeful these precautionary measures will not disrupt or deter any Alabamian from enjoying a wonderful holiday season," Governor Riley said, "but we have to remain mindful of the dangerous world we live in and take responsible steps to protect and safeguard lives and property." Governor Riley also added, "Our enemies want us to live in fear. We refuse to live in fear, and the best way to overcome fear and disrupt the plans of our enemies is to be prepared and anticipate their actions."