Baltimore: Possible Tunnel Terror Threats & Arrest (updated)

By Andrew Cochran

Last update at 6:10 pm ET. Threat information led to closing of Harbor Tunnel, I-895, north of Baltimore for almost 2 hours. Maryland chief homeland security official: tunnel was closed immediately upon decision to close it under plan in place for awhile. Harbor Tunnel open now. I-95 Ft. McHenry Tunnel now also open after mostly closed. AP story: At least one man has been arrested - one of four arrested on immigration charges after raids at Middle Eastern businesses. ABC News: "According to the informant, who is in detention overseas, at least six Egyptian terrorists were going to receive bomb materials that would arrive by ship at Baltimore's harbor in a container marked "Cocoa." The informant said the terrorists would then use the material to assemble explosive devices, which would be planted in cars as part of a plot to bomb one or both of the tunnels."
MSNBC concurs on that but reports that info "absolutely not corroborated." Maryland Governor says tunnel threat investigation began two weeks ago. CNN & ABC: Individuals being questioned (CNN says Egyptians) - see also Baltimore's WJZ TV story on this. Jeff Quinton has dug into the ownership details of the local Baltimore market which is apparently under investigation (WJZ story) - very interesting info on the owners.

STEVEN EMERSON on Fox News Channel: FBI questions credibility of source - threat received in US by "another agency" (not specified) more than a week ago, but not sure whether received directly or transferred by intermediary - vetted as much as possible with investigations and interviews - decided they needed to disclose threat - this decision by Maryland state homeland security agency with FBI. FBI & DHS statement: "While the information was somewhat specific, to date, the intelligence community has not found evidence that corroborates the information." Fox News: From a single overseas individual, used before and known, info not corroborated, about one person or larger group of people already in Baltimore for tunnel terrorism - feds doubt credibility. Other news sources report same info on credibility. Michelle Malkin reminds us that KSM had plans for the Brooklyn Bridge & Baltimore gas stations before his capture.

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