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(Dec. 28) -- Homeland security officials are concerned about Las Vegas as a potential terrorist target. And because tourism is such a big part of our city's livelihood -- how are authorities preparing for a possible disaster?
Law enforcement agencies continue to gather information so if a threat to the Valley is uncovered, they can act. Las Vegas relies on the 36-million visitors a year that pass through our hotels and casinos. If you looked around on The Strip this Christmas Eve, you will still see a lot of tourists. Tourism experts say that an attack here could devastate this economy.
Trevor Stevenson and his friend Shauna Juliano arrived in Las Vegas 24 hours ago. They drove from Salt Lake City for a little rest and relaxation. Stevenson says he never had any second thoughts even after hearing Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge mention Las Vegas as a possible terrorist target. "We drove down from Salt Lake City. You could even tell when we drove across the border. I have a commercial vehicle. They were a little.... anything suspicious? Why and when and what are you doing down here?"
All of the precautions are enough for Nevada Democratic Congresswoman Shelley Berkley. She says Secretary Ridge made a poor choice using Las Vegas as an example of cities that could be targets for terrorism. "If there was any specific mention of Las Vegas, we would know about it and I would not be standing here giving you false information." Representative Berkley is concerned because just the mention of Las Vegas in that context could affect the tourism industry.
The Convention and Visitors Authority agrees. "Of course it is a concern to us because it could have a negative connotation. In the same respect, if you take a look at the destination performed after 9-11 we were one of most resilient destinations in the U.S.," said Marina Ricola with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
Shelley Berkley continued, "We're expecting a large crowd over the holidays. We are welcoming everybody. It's as safe as any place on earth and a lot safer than most." And Trevor Stevenson agrees. That's why he didn't cancel his plans.
Local authorities are taking no chances. Henderson police say they have added more staffing for the holidays and are actively gathering information. Eyewitness News learned they asked home improvement stores to notify the FBI about anyone buying large quantities of fertilizer. Fertilizer could be combined with other things to make a large bomb. Law enforcement officials say they will investigate any tip they get concerning threats against the Valley.
Channel 8 Eyewitness News wants to stress that there have been no specific threats made against Las Vegas or any area in the Valley.
(Dec. 28) -- Homeland security officials are concerned about Las Vegas as a potential terrorist target. And because tourism is such a big part of our city's livelihood -- how are authorities preparing for a possible disaster?
Law enforcement agencies continue to gather information so if a threat to the Valley is uncovered, they can act. Las Vegas relies on the 36-million visitors a year that pass through our hotels and casinos. If you looked around on The Strip this Christmas Eve, you will still see a lot of tourists. Tourism experts say that an attack here could devastate this economy.
Trevor Stevenson and his friend Shauna Juliano arrived in Las Vegas 24 hours ago. They drove from Salt Lake City for a little rest and relaxation. Stevenson says he never had any second thoughts even after hearing Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge mention Las Vegas as a possible terrorist target. "We drove down from Salt Lake City. You could even tell when we drove across the border. I have a commercial vehicle. They were a little.... anything suspicious? Why and when and what are you doing down here?"
All of the precautions are enough for Nevada Democratic Congresswoman Shelley Berkley. She says Secretary Ridge made a poor choice using Las Vegas as an example of cities that could be targets for terrorism. "If there was any specific mention of Las Vegas, we would know about it and I would not be standing here giving you false information." Representative Berkley is concerned because just the mention of Las Vegas in that context could affect the tourism industry.
The Convention and Visitors Authority agrees. "Of course it is a concern to us because it could have a negative connotation. In the same respect, if you take a look at the destination performed after 9-11 we were one of most resilient destinations in the U.S.," said Marina Ricola with the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
Shelley Berkley continued, "We're expecting a large crowd over the holidays. We are welcoming everybody. It's as safe as any place on earth and a lot safer than most." And Trevor Stevenson agrees. That's why he didn't cancel his plans.
Local authorities are taking no chances. Henderson police say they have added more staffing for the holidays and are actively gathering information. Eyewitness News learned they asked home improvement stores to notify the FBI about anyone buying large quantities of fertilizer. Fertilizer could be combined with other things to make a large bomb. Law enforcement officials say they will investigate any tip they get concerning threats against the Valley.
Channel 8 Eyewitness News wants to stress that there have been no specific threats made against Las Vegas or any area in the Valley.
