Chertoff Vows New Link (rep in NYC after mixed-message subway threat)

[DeepModem Mom]

Security Chief Vows New Link to New York
By ERIC LIPTON
Published: October 21, 2005


WASHINGTON, Oct. 20 - Michael Chertoff, the homeland security secretary, vowed Thursday to place his own representative in New York City to work with local authorities in an attempt to have city and federal agencies speak with one voice about any potential terrorist threat.

Mr. Chertoff's promise came two weeks after his department and city officials appeared to have very different interpretations of - and responses to - information about a possible plot to set off bombs inside the New York subway system.

While the Department of Homeland Security issued a public statement playing down the intelligence concerning the possible plot, city officials held a news conference calling the threat the most specific they had ever received against the subways and ordered a big deployment of police force throughout the underground transportation system.

Mr. Chertoff's decision followed a meeting Thursday morning with Representative Peter T. King, Republican of New York, who is chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security. "There was a shortfall in the unity of the message," Mr. King said he told Mr. Chertoff. "And that unity to me is absolutely essential if you are going to maintain the confidence of the people."

William R. Knocke, a spokesman for Mr. Chertoff, said that like any relationship, the ties between the New York City Police Department and Homeland Security could be smoother. Now, he said, when there is a threat, Homeland Security and the local police department, as well as perhaps the F.B.I., will try to issue a joint statement and offer as many details as appropriate....


http://www.nytimes.com/2005/10/21/nyregion/21terror.html

[rodeodance]

1. this is more scary stuff!!

.....Chertoff......vowed Thursday to place his own representative in New York City to work with local authorities in an attempt to have city and federal agencies speak with one voice about any potential terrorist threat.

[truthisfreedom]

2. ... about any political terrorist threat.

i get it.