New Yorkers are jumpier than usual these days. The N.Y. Daily News reports the bulk of New Yorkers believe a terror attack on the subway system is bound to happen. Nearly nine-in-ten (87 percent) of polled by the News yesterday "feel it's only a matter of time" before terror hits the subway. Nine percent are "not sure" about a potential attack.
A pitiful six percent believe security has improved to the point at which terror suspects will be caught before they engage in evil. Jitters have increased in the aftermath of the terror attacks on the Moscow subway system and news that an alleged NYC bomber is to be extradited from Pakistan. The plot called for attacks on rush hour-jammed east side subway lines out of Grand Central Station and west side routes out of Times Square. Specificity of those planned attacks makes the threat all the more real.
Mayor Mike Bloomberg believes that anyone who doubts the potential of a terror attack has his head in the sand. "New York is a symbol of democracy and freedom and religious and ethnic tolerance that some people around the world find threatening," he said. Realist Bloomberg is exactly whom the city needs at the helm. This is not the time for civic cheerleading.
Fear of terror is compounded by news that the New York Police Department's top terror-fighter Richard Falkenrath is leaving his post at the end of the month. He is joining the Chertoff Group, which is headed by Michael Chertoff, who was in charge of the Dept of Homeland Security during Hurricane Katrina. He is exiting at the end of the month.
PR can play a big role in NYC’s counter-terrorism plans, warning people to look out and care for the greatest city in the world. It’s everybody’s job. Good luck.