Nations Top Counterterrorism Expert Elsa Lee Says Be More Alert And Report Suspicious Acts" In The Wake Of Today's London Terrorist Bombings

Commenting on today's deadly subway terrorist bombings in London: Suspicious people covertly photographing metro railway and trains have been observed and reported in major cities across the nation -- from Los Angeles to New York," said Lee, CEO, Advantage SCI, who authored the nation's first 9-11 study with Rand Corporation on "Terror On The Tracks."

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) July 8, 2005 -- The typical terrorist attack is planned months to years in advance," said Elsa Lee, CEO & Founder Advantage SCI, El Segundo, CA, reacting to four explosions that rocked the London subway and tore open a packed double-decker bus during the morning rush hour Thursday. The deadly explosive terrorists attacks injured more than 700 people left dozens of people dead.

We havent had an attack in the United States since 9-11, however need to keep our guard up," said Lee. The explosions in London could easily occur in any major city of the U.S. Terrorism has evolved and become an unpredictable threat almost overnight. The typical terrorist attack is planned months to years in advance."

When ask how do you stop it? Lee offered these suggestions:

1.Through aggressive proactive strategies and strong security programs that are well documented, well rehearsed, and well coordinated across all sectors -- the first responder community, businesses, and the public.

2.Be aware of your surroundings and suspicious people. Suspicious people covertly photographing metro railway and trains have been observed and reported in major cities across the nation -- from Los Angeles to New York -- by a few citizens who happened to be observant and perceptive when these activities were taking place.

3.Everyone needs to work together. Metro rail passengers need to be sharply attuned to what is happening around them. If they see, feel, or know that something is out of place, out of the norm, or simply strange in that moment of time, they need to act on it.

4.Suspicious activity should be reported immediately. Terrorist attacks require planning and preparing before an attack is carried out. It will be difficult to detect terrorist activities on the day of the attack in time to stop it. If terrorist activities are not detected in the prepping stages, the best you can hope for is that someone will detect a package or backpack left unattended or placed at the target location on the day of the attack.

What happened today should prompt people to be more alert and report suspicious acts. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff raised the alert level for the nation's mass transit systems to orange, or high, in response to the deadly bombings on London's transit.

About Elsa Lee, CEO, Advantage SCI:

After working in counterterrorism for 20 years as a US Army counterintelligence officer, Elsa Lee founded Advantage SCI and now offers advice and assistance on mitigating terrorism risks to top Forbes companies, academic institutions such as USCs Homeland Security Center and government agencies. [Editors: For images and media interviews with Counterterrorism Expert Elsa Lee, please call George McQuade or Aida Mayo at 818.340.5300 or visit www.AdvantageSCI.com

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