Residents of New York take terrorism warnings in stride

NEW YORK -- FBI reports of potential terrorist attacks against New York and some of its most popular attractions had law enforcement on high alert, and officials said there was no cause for alarm.

The Brooklyn Bridge was closed for about an hour early Wednesday until police determined that a knapsack found on the road was harmless.

Later, to prevent public fear, police announced that Fleet Week ceremonies Wednesday afternoon were to include the firing of guns and cannons and military flyovers. The annual celebration was expected to draw 6,000 naval personnel to the city through the Memorial Day weekend.

The FBI warned city officials Tuesday it had received uncorroborated information that terrorists have made threats against New York and its landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge and City Hall.

Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly characterized the information as "general threats," but patrols were increased at some popular sites, including the statue and bridge.

A law enforcement official speaking on condition of anonymity said the information came from an unidentified detainee who spoke with the FBI.

"While the FBI has no information as to the time, date or method of attack, out of an abundance of caution, information has been transmitted to law enforcement in New York," said a statement from the FBI's Washington press office.

Some New Yorkers seemed to be taking the warnings in stride.

"You can't stop your life, especially in New York," said 30-year-old Queens resident George Guzman, sitting on a bench in busy midtown Manhattan.

"You just can't be scared. If that was the case, the streets would be empty."

Kelly and other top police officials canceled plans to attend "war games" this weekend at the Naval War College in Newport, R.I. Other NYPD officials will still attend the exercises, which prepare them to handle bombings, chemical attacks and other catastrophes.

The warning came about a week before the city plans to end search and recovery work at the site of the World Trade Center, where more than 2,800 people died in the Sept. 11 attacks.

It also came before the start of Fleet Week 2002, which boasts the largest number of U.S. Naval vessels ever sent to New York City by an Atlantic Fleet commander. Sailors, Marines and Coast Guard personnel will be aboard 22 ships, including six warships.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg said he didn't see any reason why people shouldn't enjoy Fleet Week and other activities over the weekend.

"The more people that are out the safer this city will be, and we are used to hosting big events. Fleet Week is just another one," he said. "There are always threats unfortunately, but fortunately, most are hoaxes."

Gov. George Pataki urged people to visit New York.

"We cannot allow threats to take away our freedom or our confidence," Pataki said. "There are going to be threats for the foreseeable future."

Nearly every major tourist attraction, including all the big museums, the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty, were closed following the Sept. 11 attack on the trade center.

Security zones still keep boats 150 yards away from the United Nations, Ellis Island and Liberty Island, and 25 yards from piers, bridge abutments and tunnel ventilators. Additional restrictions were in place for Fleet Week.