The recent threat to the New York City subway system again demonstrates that federal authorities are still not well coordinated when it comes to fighting terror.
New York City officials, namely Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Police Commissioner Ray Kelly acted on a tip from the FBI that a threat had been made against the city's transit system. The FBI told Bloomberg the threat was very specific and detailed and involved a bomb. Bloomberg went public with an announcement that a threat had been received and urged New Yorkers to be on alert. Police presence in the subways of New York was increased and searches of all bags, strollers, backpacks and other possible places explosives could be hidden were implemented.
Despite the FBI warnings, the Department of Homeland Security downplayed the threats, saying they were of 'doubtful credibility.'
An counter terrorism expert who was briefed by the Department of Homeland Security told the Associated Press that the information failed to show 'on-the-ground, detailed, pre-surveillance' methods consistent with credible information. The official said the intelligence was similar to 'what can be found on the Internet and a map of New York City.'
According to the FBI, a baby carriage or stroller was to be the preferred method of delivery and the attack would take place on Friday (today) or over this coming weekend.
The decision to announce the threat to the public was made by Mayor Bloomberg. President Bush said, 'I think they took the information we gave and made the judgments they thought were necessary.'
The intelligence information was discovered during a raid in Iraq on Monday. One of the captured al-Qaeda suspects informed American officials of the threat.
Bloomberg did not believe the timing of the event was linked to the Jewish holidays of Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) or Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement).
New York officials remain on high alert as they attempt to protect the city's 4.5 million daily subway riders.
If the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security provide such different answers based on the same information, however, it is clear that American intelligence forces are still overlapping and not working well together. While this may not be a problem today, it may cost many American lives in the future.
