D.C. Monuments Eyed - Man Seen Videotaping and "Pacing Off" Pentagon, Washington Monument, Others

September 9, 2002

WASHINGTON (AP) — United States security agencies here are on alert to a potential terrorist attack after a man videotaped the Washington Monument, Pentagon and other buildings, it was reported Monday.

Officials said, however, they had no specific threats.

The alert was issued Wednesday after U.S. intelligence officials obtained a copy of a videotape that contained pictures of the Washington Monument, Pentagon and other buildings, The Washington Times reported, quoting sources that it did not name.

The man, whom the paper described as being of Middle Eastern origin, videotaped the buildings and also paced off several distances around the monument, the Times reported.

Similar surveillance was discovered near the Port of Los Angeles in June.

The Times said surveillance of potential targets is considered a sign that a terrorist attack is being planned.

Copyright 2002 The Associated Press
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2002-09-09-washington-alert_x.htm