Feds say inauguration attractive terrorist target

WASHINGTON – The upcoming inauguration of Barack Obama is an attractive target for international and domestic terrorists, but U.S. intelligence officials have no information about specific threats to the Jan. 20 event.

An internal intelligence assessment, obtained by The Associated Press on Wednesday, says the high visibility of the event, the presence of dignitaries and the significance of swearing in the country's first black president make the inauguration vulnerable to attacks.

What concerns analysts most, the report says, is the potential use of improvised explosive devices, a hostage situation or suicide bombers.

While security will be tight around the U.S. Capitol, the joint FBI and Homeland Security assessment says nearby hotels, public gatherings, restaurants and roads could be vulnerable to some kind of attack.

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said security concerns during inaugurations have been elevated since the 2001 terror attacks. "I think it will be the most security, as far as I'm aware, that any inauguration has had," Chertoff said in an interview with the AP.http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090108/ap_on_go_pr_wh/inauguration_potential_threats

Legitimate concern or overblown fear?

better make sure this one happens without a hitch!

I'm willing to bet it's domestic.

My college-age daughter and some of her friends are going! I found out today. I'm excited but also worry about those problems.

off for the inauguration. I'm sure the SS, FBI, CIA, and all police are very nervous about this event. I suspect there's actrually less of a problem for Obama than there was protecting Shrub because for the most part the WORLD hated Shrub, but they seem to like Obama. I'm positive he still has enemies, but not nearly as many!

Yeah, just like Times Square was a big target every damn New Years Eve since 9/11. Let's all run and hide like a bunch of abused chihuahuas... or not.

I'll be in DC and will certainly keep an eye on some buttheads who want to cause trouble. Like anytime one is in a big city...