WREX.com – Rockford’s News LeaderTerror Bulletin: Alert issued for stadiums, hotels

Terror Bulletin: Alert issued for stadiums, hotels

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Counterterrorism officials have issued security bulletins about terrorist interest in attacking sports stadiums, entertainment complexes and hotels.

The FBI and Homeland Security Department sent two bulletins Monday to police around the country, saying they know of no specific plots against such sites. The bulletins obtained by The Associated Press say those sites remain attractive targets to groups like al-Qaida.

The memos do not mention the ongoing high-profile investigation of a possible terrorist plot involving a Colorado man and associates in New York City. Instead, they describe the long-standing interest of terrorists to use homemade backpack bombs, car bombs, or even airplanes to attack such crowded public places.

In Chicago, no clear signs of security upgrades

CHICAGO (AP) -- Illinois state officials say they're passing on intelligence to local authorities about potential terrorist threats as federal investigators chase a possible bomb plot in Denver and New York.

But Illinois Emergency Management Agency spokeswoman Patti Thompson says it's up to municipalities to decide whether to beef up security and how.

There weren't obvious signs Tuesday of upgraded security at Chicago subway and train stations.

A police dog sniffed at bags while passengers waited to board an Amtrak train at Union Station. Several armed police also watched nearby. But it isn't clear if the measures are upgrades or normal procedure.

Chicago transit and city officials declined comment on specific responses, if any, to federal security bulletins.