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Produced & Maintained by Idaho Mountain Express, Box 1013, Ketchum, ID 83340-1013 
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Copyright © 2001 Express Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Express Publishing Inc. is prohibited. 

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For the week of  September 12 - 18, 2001

  Special Report

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.


The Idaho Mountain Express is distributed free to residents and guests throughout the Sun Valley, Idaho resort area community. Subscribers to the Idaho Mountain Express will read these stories and others in this week's issue.