State Police Urge Vigilance as Sept. 11 Anniversary Nears

State Police are urging Pennsylvania residents to be alert as the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks approaches.

“While there are no specific or credible threats to the state or the nation, terrorists remain steadfast in their determination to commit additional attacks in the United States,” said State Police Commissioner Frank Noonan in a release. “We urge residents to remain vigilant and be on the lookout for any behavior that seems out of the ordinary and possibly associated with terrorism or other illegal conduct.”

Potential signs of terrorism could include:

• Individuals showing unusual interest in sensitive facilities or buildings, including photography, observation, and other types of surveillance
• Individuals attempting to gain information about operations, security or personnel
• Individuals acquiring unusual amounts of products, such as fertilizer, weapons, uniforms, cell phones, fuel, or harmful chemicals
• Individuals appearing to rehearse an attack, including mapping travel routes or timing traffic lights
• Individuals moving suspicious equipment or supplies

According to the release, unusual activities, especially those near or at sensitive locations including government, military, or other high-profile facilities where large numbers of people congregate, may indicate that terrorists are planning an attack.

Residents are encouraged to call the toll-free State Police Terrorism Tip Line at 1-888-292-1919, or via email at sp-intelligence@pa.gov, to report suspicious individuals or activity that may indicate pre-operational planning by terrorists. In the case of an immediate threat or emergency, call 911 immediately.

Citizen reports of suspicious activity have proven extremely crucial in preventing terrorist acts.

“Residents are our primary, and frankly, our best, source of defense in reporting suspicious activity throughout Pennsylvania, and we rely on them to contact local authorities to provide valuable tips,’’ Noonan said. “No one knows what looks unusual or suspicious where they live, work, and travel better than they do.”