Dirty Bomb Feared in Alleged NYC Terrorist Plot

A plot by al-Qaida to attack America — specifically New York City — in the days leading up to reported the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy has worsened. Authorities believe the threat could involve a dirty bomb, according to CBSNew York.

The New York Police Department tightened security Friday by setting up a series of checkpoints where random vehicle stops were conducted. At times, traffic came to a standstill.

“Terrorism is theater, and this is the stage,” NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly said. “This is right now probably the world’s biggest stage.”

The dirty-bomb scare has dialed up the drama.

“We have to think about a dirty bomb, where you take radiological material and mix it with conventional explosives,” Kelly said.

CBSNew York reported that intelligence sources are concerned the terrorists — three suspects are being sought, including one American — have concocted a device containing both radiological and explosive materials.

“We think about how to handle these people,” Kelly said. “How do we approach them if we believe they have some device, a bomb, something that’s going to explode? We have to think about tactics and strategies.”

Kelly said the NYPD has suited up its officers with radiation detectors and other sophisticated instruments, and has ensured the equipment is being used within 50 miles of New York City, a radius that encompasses Connecticut, Long Island, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Times Square is the new “ground zero” of the latest terrorist plot. Sources told CBSNew York that al-Qaida wants to finish the job that failed last year when Faisal Shahzad tried to detonate a car bomb there in May of 2010.