WASHINGTON, May 30 — The Department of Homeland Security on Friday lowered the federal terrorism alert level one notch to yellow, or elevated. It had been at orange, the second-highest level on a five-color scale, since May 20.
ORANGE INDICATES a high risk of terrorist attack. The lowest two levels, green and blue, and the highest, red, have not been used since the system was adopted in March 2002.
The alert level was raised on May 20 after terrorists believed linked to al-Qaida struck in Saudi Arabia and Morocco. Seventy-five people were killed, including eight Americans.
Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said it was feared the incidents could mark the beginning of a wave of worldwide attacks that could include U.S. targets.
With the alert, government authorities and businesses stepped up security, particularly at large gatherings over the Memorial Day weekend. Lowering the alert level would allow authorities to scale back some security measures, a move favored by many local governments struggling with budget shortfalls.
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http://www.msnbc.com/news/916998.asp
ORANGE INDICATES a high risk of terrorist attack. The lowest two levels, green and blue, and the highest, red, have not been used since the system was adopted in March 2002.
The alert level was raised on May 20 after terrorists believed linked to al-Qaida struck in Saudi Arabia and Morocco. Seventy-five people were killed, including eight Americans.
Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said it was feared the incidents could mark the beginning of a wave of worldwide attacks that could include U.S. targets.
With the alert, government authorities and businesses stepped up security, particularly at large gatherings over the Memorial Day weekend. Lowering the alert level would allow authorities to scale back some security measures, a move favored by many local governments struggling with budget shortfalls.
Want to learn more?
http://www.msnbc.com/news/916998.asp