Press Releases

Contact: Elaine Jennings
916-324-9661 or 916-437-9501
Jay Alan
916-825-6544

Statement from Matthew Bettenhausen Regarding Recent Reports of Terrorist Threat to Shopping Malls in the Media

Based upon recent reports in the media, California Office of Homeland Security Director Matthew Bettenhausen issued the following statement:

"We are aware of the recent information regarding reported threats against shopping malls. This particular threat was delivered from a questionable source with unknown intentions. The intelligence gathered has not been corroborated nor deemed credible by the FBI at this time.

We are in regular communication with FBI about potential threats and no specific measures or alerts are being called for at this time. We will continue to work closely with our federal, state, local and private sector partners to thwart and prevent potential acts of terrorism.

As always, we ask that the public remain vigilant to potential threats and unusual circumstances. This specific threat is not deemed credible but that does not mean we should let our guard down. I would like to remind the public that if you see anything unusual - unattended packages, suitcases, unusual circumstances whether on bus, subway or shopping mall - it should be reported to authorities immediately."

• Some of the specific measure taken by the state to protect our shopping malls and other large gathering areas are:
• The creation of a Terrorism Liaison Officer program and terrorism awareness training, including changing the law to require licensed security guards to receive such terrorism awareness and reporting training.
• Meeting regularly with our private sector partners to understand their concerns and needs.
• Working with malls and the private sector to enhance security through terrorism awareness training and enhanced security measures, including timely reporting of suspicious circumstances
• Including a large stadium and mass gathering initiative to better secure and prepare to respond to threats in large public gathering places. This year's Golden Guardian exercise is also testing capabilities to respond to threats on mass transit and at large gathering places.
• The State has coordinated the State Terrorism Threat Assessment Center and the Regional Terrorism Threat Assessment Centers to more effective share information among law enforcement and public sector partners.