L.A. on Alert, Boosts Security

Los Angeles’ federal law enforcement agencies went on high alert this morning in response to the apparent terrorist-caused airplane crashes in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania. The FBI mobilized its special counter-terrorism squad and agents from its National Security Division.

There were no reports or rumors of any attacks or threats to attack in Los Angeles, according to Jim Digrado, Mayor James K. Hahn’s liaison to the Los Angeles Fire Department, who spoke to reporters about 9:30 a.m.

Airports throughout California were closed, as were several landmarks, including the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles and the city’s Library Tower downtown. Nearly all large downtown high-rises were reported closed, as was the state Capitol in Sacramento, the Federal Building and City Hall in downtown Los Angeles, Disneyland and some shopping malls.

An early report that the U.S.-Mexico border had been closed was refuted by U.S. Border Patrol officials. At midmorning, the ports of entry were still open, they said.

Some cultural events were canceled, including the Latin Grammy Awards, which were to be televised from the Forum in Inglewood later today.

The Islamic Society of Orange County, one of the largest mosques in the United States, received taunts from passersby this morning. Muslim leaders from the Garden Grove mosque met with the city’s mayor and police chief to talk about security measures and educational efforts.

The grounds of the mosque were closed, although Muslims were allowed in for prayers.

“We are prepared for any eventuality,” said Habib Khan, president of the Islamic Society of Orange County. “We’ll decide what to do day by day. The situation is so fluid and changing fast.”

Jewish and Islamic schools have taken precautions, from putting police cars in front of the campuses to closing down.

Orange Crescent School in Garden Grove, which has about 325 students, closed for the day. School officials scheduled a training session with police for today to go over security measures.

Hussam Ayloush, executive director of the Council on American Islamic Relations, Southern California chapter, said he is sure that American Muslims died in the attacks.

“We want to make sure the media doesn’t rush to judgment and doesn’t blame an entire community for this criminal act,” Ayloush said. “This is a time for prayer. Our prayers are definitely with victims and their families.”

A Los Angeles official confirmed that all city buildings had been closed.

Workers were told that some high-rises in Los Angeles with more than 13 floors were being evacuated and that the occupants were being sent home. Major downtown offices evacuated included the Citibank Tower, the Arco Tower and the Bank of America building, according to workers leaving the buildings.

Disneyland and its sister California Adventure theme park were closed in Anaheim. The newly restored Los Angeles City Hall was closed, and barricades were erected in the streets to prevent parking in front of major buildings. Some people leaving downtown high-rises were visibly upset.

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority said all buses and trains were running and on schedule as of 8:50 a.m.

Officials from the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service, fire and police departments, the Department of Water and Power and other city leaders met about 7:30 a.m. four floors below City Hall East, the planned location for an emergency operations center. All department heads with the city were meeting with the command staff, including Los Angeles International Airport officials. “We will be mobilized and ready to go,” said Fire Capt. Rick Godinez.

Stunned Southlanders gathered around a huge TV set in the lobby of one Century City high-rise, watching videotape of the one of the aircraft slamming into a tower at the World Trade Center. That crash came about 20 minutes after another aircraft struck the other tower. Both towers later collapsed in a mass of dust and debris.

American Airlines said one of the planes that crashed into the center was headed to LAX. American Airlines Flight 11 was hijacked after takeoff from Boston en route to Los Angeles.

People gathered at the airline’s counter at LAX seeking information. Many of prospective passengers had their flights canceled as the FAA grounded all flights at airports across the nation. Police did not allow people to unload baggage at the American Airlines terminal. Meanwhile, at the Federal Building in Westwood, a score of FBI agents wearing protective vests and armed with shotguns surrounded the perimeter of the federal complex near Wilshire Boulevard and Veteran Avenue. The agents closed in on both sides, waiting outside about 20 minutes before retreating inside. Employees arriving at work were carefully screened.

California Gas Co.’s headquarters building in downtown Los Angeles was closed as a security precaution, said company spokesperson Peter Hidalgo. People who work in the 60-story building at 555 W. 5th St. were asked to stay home today.

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This story was published this afternoon as part of a special 8-page extra edition wrap focusing on today’s tragic events. Entitled “Terrorism Hits the U.S.,” the wrap focused on the most important events of the day, the history of World Trade Center, terrorism and other safety concerns. It wrapped today’s second daily and was distributed to major single copy retailers and high traffic commuter areas by early afternoon.

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