Seattle police are taking a fresh look at security plans for an upcoming conference of governors here, following Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge’s warning of a possible terrorist attack, KIRO 7 Eyewitness News reported. Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske was included in a conference call with Ridge and other law enforcement leaders before Thursday’s announcement that al-Qaida is seeking to mount an attack aimed at disrupting U. S. elections.
Next weekend, Seattle will host governors from all over the country who will attend the National Governors Association Conference at the Westin Hotel. While the governors visit Safeco Field, the home of Bill Gates, the Space Needle and the Experience Music Project, among other places, their security will be in the hands of the Seattle Police Department. "It’s caused us to go back and to re-look, and once again take another final review of every precaution that we are putting into place," Kerlikowske told KIRO 7 Eyewitness News reporter Amy Clancy. Seattle has not been mentioned specifically as a terrorist target, but during the conference call Wednesday night, Ridge said the terrorist threat was high for summer conferences. Kerlikowske said no Seattle police officers are being allowed to take vacation and there will be more officers -- both in uniform and plain clothes -- patrolling Seattle’s streets. |