Be Alert, Department of Homeland Security Says

Now that some of the mob giddiness that followed the announcement of Osama bin Laden’s death has dissipated, fear is once again thick in the air as U.S. officials warn state and local law enforcement agencies of possible retaliation attacks by a vengeful al-Qaida. —ARK

Los Angeles Times:

The caution from the Department of Homeland Security in Washington escalated Monday as national security officials, terrorism experts and the White House agreed that future strikes could likely be triggered from a new power struggle inside Al Qaeda or by some lone wolf or “micro-terrorist” plotting in the U.S. to personally even the score for Bin Laden’s death.

Around the country, airports beefed up inspections, mass-transit police heightened patrols and cities such as Los Angeles, New York and Chicago increased their security measures. Abroad, U.S. embassies and other foreign facilities were placed on high alert, and U.S. citizens were strongly advised to be careful if traveling or living overseas.

In the midnight bulletin to state and local officials, Washington warned that anything could happen. “Everyone is extremely sensitive to the fact that there will at least be an attempt for a retaliatory attack,” said one U.S. intelligence official.

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