Foiled London Car Bombs Spark U.S. Concern

June 29, 2007 — -- While it's unclear who was responsible for the apparent car bombs discovered Friday in London, this latest incident is adding to mounting concern by European and U.S. intelligence over potential attacks on Western targets.

"At this point, I have seen no specific, credible information suggesting that this incident is connected to a threat to the homeland," said U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. "We have no plans at this time to change the U.S. threat level."

But the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI are cautioning the public to remain vigilant, and released a bulletin to the law enforcement community Friday evening containing more information on the thwarted bombings.

The memo also describes suspicious behavior officers can watch for on the ground that could signal the possibility of a similar attack. Questionable activities could include theft or cash purchases of large cars, cargo vans and trucks, cash purchase of large containers or barrels, or sales of high quantities of chemicals or fuel.

Additionally, authorities advise that erratic driving seen near crowds or densely populated areas or abandonment of vehicles near such locations -- similar actions to what witnesses report seeing in London -- could be red flags.

As for this most recent London plot, the FBI is working with British authorities to pin down the vehicle registration and uncover the identities of any individuals who might be connected to the foiled plot, so they can see if there is a U.S. nexus.

Forensic evidence obtained by British authorities from the two Mercedes vehicles rigged with potential explosives will be run through a massive database U.S. authorities have been developing that tracks foreign nationals entering the United States.

"We have been in close contact with our counterparts in the U.K.," said Chertoff. "Our law enforcement and intelligence officials are closely monitoring the ongoing investigation."