Terror Threat Shouldn't Affect Utah Too Much

Jed Boal ReportingColonel Mike Kuehn moved to the post of Homeland Security Director of Utah a week ago. Last night, around 11, he was briefed on the latest terror threat. Today, he talked about Utah's response on The Doug Wright show on KSL radio.

The flight alert certainly affects air travelers, but should not disrupt other activities in Utah.

Col. Mike Kuehn, Director of Homeland Security for Utah: "They should go about their business as normal, and go to work as they normally would, and feel safe and secure that things are being handled."

Last night, Federal Homeland Security paged its state directors across the country. Colonel Kuehn and the others quickly got on a conference call. Federal Homeland Security administrators briefed the state chiefs on the situation. Homeland Security in Utah then contacted other pertinent state offices and local law enforcement to tell them what they could expect.

Col. Mike Kuehn/Director of Homeland Security for Utah: "My main objective is to let other authorities, leaders and administrators in the state know what's going on so they're briefed and aware. What it means for us here in Utah is probably, the biggest effect it has on us is air travel."

Colonel Kuehn expects regular briefings as federal homeland security administrators continue to evaluate the nature of the threat and adjust their response. He says the communications network will respond quickly if there is any change in the status of the threat.

Col. Mike Kuehn, Director of Homeland Security for Utah: "Although terrorists have become sophisticated, we in law enforcement and homeland security have become equally as sophisticated and were able top thwart this plot."

Again, there is no elevated threat level in our communities outside of the airport.

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