May 21, 2003
Wednesday - 12:45 am

Juneau - On Tuesday Governor Frank Murkowski approved a recommendation of his Disaster Policy Cabinet to raise the security threat level in Alaska to Orange. His move matches an action taken by the federal government to raise the national security threat level from Yellow to Orange, which Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge did at noon on Tuesday Alaska time.

"There have not been any specific threats made to any communities or facilities in Alaska, nor to specific states in the Lower 48," Murkowski said. "However, given the significant increase in terrorist strikes in Saudi Arabia, Morocco and Israel, Secretary Ridge concluded the prudent thing to do was to go to the Orange level of alert and ask Americans to be more aware of the possibility of a strike against our homeland. The increased level to Orange will undoubtedly create some inconveniences, especially centered around transportation and access to government buildings, but we ask all Alaskans for their understanding, as well as their vigilance."

The state and nation last went to level Orange on February 7, but returned to the mid-level Yellow within a few weeks. Murkowski directed Alaska's Homeland Security Office, Division of Emergency Services, Air and Army National Guard and Department of Public Safety to continue to work closely with local and federal officials during this time of heightened alert.

Source of News Release:

Office of the Governor
Web Site

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