US Faces 'Terror Attack Threat From Europe'

Security chief envisions stricter safety measures
By Lucas Laursen,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 16, 2008 6:15 AM CST
US Faces 'Terror Attack Threat From Europe'
U.S Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff speaks to the Institute of European Affairs in Dublin, Thursday Nov. 29, 2007, on the current threat environment, and the importance of information collection and data analysis in our response. (AP Photo/Peter Morrison)   (Associated Press)

Americans face a "real risk that Europe will become a platform for terrorists," US Homeland Security Chief Michael Chertoff told the BBC yesterday. America will likely boost security measures to protect the country from such a threat, but will also make an effort not to unduly hinder travel and trade, he said. "Home grown terrorism has begun to rise in Europe," said Chertoff, citing attacks in Madrid and London.

Europe and the US currently have an automatic visa waiver, so travelers are not pre-screened. Chertoff boasted that the US has become safer because of stricter border controls. "Our ability to know who is coming across our borders, and to check them and to take their fingerprints now is far better than it was five or six years ago," he said. (More homeland security stories.)

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