NFL scare
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UPDATE: Local man not a suspect in threats
The Milwaukee man questioned last night by the FBI in connection with the Internet bomb threats against NFL stadiums is not considered a suspect in the case, Special Agent Doug Porrini said today.The resident, only described as a young adult, was questioned last night and released, Porrini said.
Agents interviewed the man after he contacted authorities with information about the threats, Porrini said.
"After providing information, the FBI considers the threat even less credible," he said.
He said the investigation is ongoing.
The threats about radioactive bombs, posted on a Web site a week ago, were not backed up by intelligence indicating such an attack might be imminent, according to the FBI and the Homeland Security Department.
Homeland Security on Wednesday alerted the NFL and authorities in New York, Miami, Atlanta, Seattle, Houston, Oakland and Cleveland, saying they were acting "out of an abundance of caution."
The Green Bay Packers are playing the Dolphins in Miami this weekend.
Homeland Security spokesman Russ Knocke on Wednesday said the threat was viewed "with strong skepticism." Still, the agency contacted the National Football League, local authorities and stadium owners. Also notified was the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
The online posting, dated Oct. 12, was part of an ongoing conversation titled "New Attack on America Be Afraid." It appeared on a Web site, "The Friend Society," that links to various online forums and off-color cartoons. The site's Internet provider declined to comment.
The message said trucks would deliver radiological bombs to stadiums in New York, Miami, Atlanta, Seattle, Houston, Oakland and Cleveland - and that al-Qaida leader Osama bin Laden would claim responsibility.
A dirty bomb would use conventional explosives to scatter radioactive material. Such a blast probably would not cause many deaths, experts say, but the fear of contamination could spark panic. Land and buildings hit with radioactive particles might be unusable for years.
Authorities traced the site's Internet provider to Voxel Dot Net Inc., which has support and engineering staff based in Troy, N.Y. A man who answered the phone at Voxel Wednesday declined to give his name, said he was unaware of the posted threat and refused further comment.
The author of the threats, posted at 9:31 p.m. EDT on Oct. 12, identified himself online as "javness."
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said stadiums are well-protected through "comprehensive security procedures" that include bag searches and pat-downs.
Officials were made aware of the Web posting on Monday. The threat was timed for Sunday, marking the final day in Mecca of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month.
A copy of the posting said: "The death toll will approach 100,000 from the initial blasts and countless other fatalities will later occur as result from radioactive fallout."