Idaho battens down
after East Coast terrorist attacks
State’s senators
and governor issue statements
By GREG
STAHL
Express Staff Writer
Idaho
battened down Tuesday as operations at the Boise Airport were suspended
and security tightened at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Gowen Field, the
INEEL and at offices and utilities throughout the state.
The
unprecedented and devastating terrorist attacks Tuesday on the United
States left Idaho’s political leaders—and an entire nation—dumbfounded.
But the attacks also prompted state and federal leaders to take protective
measures around Idaho.
Gov. Dirk
Kempthorne said General Gary Sayler ordered the Gowen Field National Guard
base to "Threatcon Delta," which is the highest level of
security on a four-tiered scale.
The 366th
Wing at Mountain Home Air Force Base was also stepping up security Tuesday
morning, checking the identification of every person coming through the
gates.
"We’re
increasing our vigilance," said Sgt. Renee Nelson, who was taking
media calls at the base. Nelson said more news would be released as the
wing’s leaders learned more about Mountain Home’s involvement.
The Idaho
National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory was at a higher state of
alert, but employees remained at work and had not been evacuated.
Department of Energy officials would not give additional details about
security precautions at the eastern Idaho facility.
Boise’s
Federal Courthouse on Fort Street kept its doors open Tuesday morning,
maintaining its security check post at the gate and metal detectors
through the front doors. Security Guard Tom Junier said about a dozen
employees from various agencies housed in the building had left after news
of the attacks reached Boise.
The Idaho
State Police increased patrols around and in the state Capitol complex,
and the 13 other state government buildings in the Treasure Valley.
However, none of the buildings had been shut down, said Capt. Robert
Lockett, regional patrol commander of the ISP.
Following
orders from the Federal Aviation Administration, the Boise Airport closed
Tuesday morning. At least two planes, directed to land at the nearest
airport, landed in Boise.
The Idaho
Department of Law Enforcement Director Col. Ed Strickfaden, General Sayler
and Idaho Bureau of Disaster Services Director John Kline were all in
close communication and were on stand by.
Statements
issued on the tragedies in New York and Washington included the following:
Gov. Dirk Kempthorne
"It
would appear from all indications that the United States is under
attack. The scenes we are seeing, and when you speculate about the
massive loss of life, it is horrifying. The World Trade Center has been
demolished, the Pentagon has been attacked, and the White House has been
evacuated. It is incredible what is taking place…
"And
we will just offer our prayers to those who have been directly impacted
by this, by the terrible loss of life, and to our leaders and we will
continue to determine what the next steps should be. But it is horrible
what has happened to the United States of America.
"It
just shows you that when you have individuals with evil deeds in mind,
people are vulnerable to that. So, good sense should prevail, utilizing
whatever precautions you can. But, now, there is no indication, at this
point, that there would be any call for concern in the different
states."
Sen. Larry Craig
"Today's
coordinated terrorist attack against the Unites States is without
question an act of war against our nation and our people. I assure you
that we will find out who committed this act, and they will be punished.
"In
this nation, any attack committed on our soil is an act of war. Although
we do not yet know who is responsible for today's attack, be assured,
the United States will seek them out and respond with a vengeance. The
families and individuals who have been affected by this tragedy are in
the prayers of all Americans, and our hearts go out to them."
Sen. Mike Crapo
"Our
hearts and our prayers go out to the thousands of families and
individuals affected by this horrific attack today. The President and
the national security team are evaluating the situation and planning the
appropriate course of action.
"I
also appreciate the efforts of the many state and local officials and
businesses that are working very hard as we speak to prevent more of
these attacks and to help with recovery efforts.
"This
is a time for our great nation and our friends around the world to pull
together and defend freedom and human life. This is going to be a very
tough time and we will persevere and we will prevail."
The
Associated Press contributed to this article.