Security Concerns Raised As 9/11 Anniversary Approaches

Dana Hertneky, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- This weekend many Americans will pause to remember those lost on 9/11 ten years ago.

With that anniversary also comes concerns about security both across the country and here in Oklahoma.

As of Friday night there is no credible threat for anywhere in Oklahoma, but officials say they are on high alert.

Tinker Air Force Base is under tighter security. The Force protection level was raised to Bravo earlier this week under direction from the Pentagon.

The government mandated that security levels be raised across the country and remain in effect through September 11th.

The Oklahoma National Guard is also at protection level Bravo.

At Will Rogers World Airport, security will also be tighter. On Sunday, more TSA agents will be on duty. Airport and airline workers are also being asked to be on the lookout for anything unusual and they're asking travelers and airport visitors to do the same.

"The TSA has used the ‘See something, Say something' that's really important," said Karen Carney, spokesperson for Will Rogers World Airport.

Airport officials are also monitoring any potential threats and plans are in place if something were to happen.

The U.S. State Department has issued an alert to Americans living or traveling abroad.

"Oklahomans know we can be a victim of terrorism because we were a victim 15 years ago," said Kim Edd Carter, Oklahoma's Homeland Security Director.

Carter says his office has also been preparing for the 9/11 anniversary for a long time.

"Just encouraging everyone to look around, be a little more situation aware around their facilities, special events those types of things," said Carter. "If there were security gaps, fill those gaps before any event they may be having,"

The airport will hold a moment of silence Sunday morning at 7:47 to honor the victims of the 9/11 attacks.