UK authorities are on high alert for potential copycat attacks following the tragic New Orleans incident that left 15 dead.
New Orleans: British counter-terrorism teams are on high alert after the horrific attack in New Orleans. They’re worried about a possible copycat incident in the UK.
Reports say that police and MI5 are concerned that supporters of ISIS might be inspired to carry out similar attacks. This comes after a tragic event where a driver plowed into crowds, killing 15 people on Bourbon Street.
A spokesperson for UK Counter Terrorism Police mentioned that they’re always keeping an eye on international events to see how they might affect national security. With over 600 ongoing MI5 investigations and thousands of extremists in the UK, the threat level is serious.
Chris Phillips, a former head of the National Counter Terrorism Security Office, pointed out that the US and UK share intelligence on these matters. He noted that the New Orleans incident could echo past attacks, like the one in Germany during the Christmas market.
He emphasized that iconic locations in the UK could be at risk, similar to Bourbon Street, which is a hotspot for tourists. While there are already measures in place to protect against vehicle attacks, it’s tough to secure every location.
Phillips mentioned that while it’s impossible to guard every street, key sites need to be vigilant. The balance between security and freedom is always a tricky one.
William Wechsler, a former US defense official, added that the rise of ISIS-related groups in Syria could inspire attacks elsewhere. He recalled past incidents in New York and London that were influenced by ISIS.
He explained that the ideology behind ISIS can be very appealing to some, especially when they see success in places like Syria. This could motivate them to act out in other countries.
A spokesperson for Counter Terrorism Policing expressed their condolences for the victims in New Orleans and reassured the public that they are continuously assessing threats to the UK.
They reminded everyone that the threat level remains substantial, meaning an attack is likely. Public vigilance is crucial, and they encourage people to report anything suspicious.
