Indianapolis airport on alert following Brussels attacks
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The attacks in Brussels raise questions at home. The Department of Homeland Security says at this time, there’s no specific credible intelligence that would indicate a similar attack is being planned for the United States. But, their focus is on a lone terrorist who may not have a direct connection to an international group. Homeland Security is concerned these groups could carry out an attack with little warning.
At the Indianapolis International Airport, security is tight. There is no shortage of TSA officers checking IDs and scanning bags. Lines are long, but it was tough to find anyone who was complaining about having to wait.
“I feel really good here. I feel confident it’ll be alright,” said business traveler Tammie Davenport.
“I don’t think you can have too much security in these times,” said David Karto who is in Indianapolis visiting family.
But one thing that makes the Brussels’ attacks unusual is that it didn’t happen on a plane. It happened in the airport. Now travelers ponder whether more security is needed.
“They could have a checkpoint as soon as you enter the airport building to the ticket agencies,” said Karto.
“At least we have one place that people can congregate and not have to take their shoes off and go through all the checkpoints,” said Davenport.
Indianapolis Homeland Security Chief Gary Coons has been in close contact with the agency’s national operations center.
“In case there are copy cat style attacks or there are other issues that could be taking place, that we need to make sure and do our checks and balances to make sure everyone is safe,” said Coons.
When it comes to airport security, Coons says there are major differences between Belgium and the US.
“I don’t have a whole lot of concerns out there with this style of attack. Some of the concerns over there, the rules aren’t quite the same over there,” said Coons.
Coons added the US has more strict security measures in place,
“Their borders are very porous,” Coons said. “You’re not required to have passports to go from one country to the next.”
Attacks, of course, are still possible. Coons encourages everyone to report any suspicious activity to your local law enforcement, no matter how small or trivial you think it might be.