Briefs: Terrorist attacks affects local scene
Vigil scheduled for Thursday
A candlelight vigil will be held tomorrow for those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon Tuesday. It will be held on the steps of Old Main at 8 p.m.
President Kermit L. Hall and Vice President for Student Services Patricia Terrell will be speaking. Musical numbers will be performed by the Sunburst Singers and The New Horizons choir.
Air Force Base has higher security
In response to this morning’s events, Hill Air Force Base has implemented heightened security conditions to ensure the safety of its workforce.
“We’re watching these events unfold along with everyone else,” said base spokesman, Maj. Shawn Mecham. “And we’re taking appropriate measure to ensure the continued safety and security of our people.”
Due to the heightened security measures, there will be increased traffic congestion at the gates for people entering and leaving the base. Base leaders urge employees to stay calm and cooperate with Security Forces personnel.
Operations Center says no local threat
According to the Cache County emergency Operations Center, which is in regular contact with the State Emergency Operations Center, there is no known threat that will effect people locally and will be no interruption of services.
All aircraft at the Logan Cache Airport have been grounded in accordance with the directions from the Federal Aviation Administration.
The National Guard has gone to one step above a normal security alert condition at armories and other institutions in the state.
Hatch considers this an act of war
Sen. Orrin Hatch made the following statement yesterday about the terrorist attacks on the United States:
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of this terrible tragedy. This is a time when our nation must stand strong together against cowardly acts of terrorism directed against our citizens. I ask all Americans to put aside their differences and come together to fight this vicious attack.
“While these acts appear to have been committed at will, I assure you that this nation has a strong resolve and will not tolerate any aggression on our soil. We will stop these terrorists in their tracks. We will hunt them down, and bring them down. We will stop at nothing to avenge these evil acts.
“I consider these actions against our nation and our citizens as an act of war. We will find those responsible and we will strike back. The full resources of our nation, to include our military and law enforcement, will be unrelentingly committed to this mission to find those responsible and hold them accountable.”
Cadets asked to not wear uniforms
Utah State University’s Air Force has mandated that cadets and officers wear civilian clothing until further notice is given. Military officers have been the target of terrorism and copy-cat incidents in the past, and the military does not wish to draw undue attention to themselves at this point.
The Civil Air Patrol is on stand-by in case of possible emergency situations.
“We are on stand-by where we have our personnel and equipment ready to go; rapid response alert status,” said 1st Lt. Joseph L. Burkhead, Cache Valley Squadron Commander in the Civil Air Patrol. “There is currently no action, but if there is action taken, we will be ready with a rapid response [to perform emergency services such as search and rescue and disaster relief].”
Compiled by Statesman staff