(Image source: Hostel in New York)

BY EVAN BUSH

You're watching multisource US video news analysis from Newsy. 

“Credible but unconfirmed” is how U.S. officials are describing the threat of a 9/11 anniversary terrorist attack. The threat -- thought to be initiated by Al Qaeda.

CNN reports that the details are still murky, but are beginning to take shape:

“The information is believed to involve three individuals. … US officials believe the threat is a vehicle laden with an explosive bomb. But quote ‘the intelligence is not fully formed. Not enough is known about the operatives or their plotting.’”

Still -- an unnamed national security official tells Reuters the intelligence community doesn’t believe the threat would ultimately “check out.”

But Fox News reports the cities targeted are thought to be the same as 10 years ago:

“Sources say the threat could involve car bombs and would target New York or Washington. Law enforcement officials investigating three people who entered the U.S.. New york City police department is stepping up patrols and deploying additional resources.”

According to ABC News  -- the attack might have come from the top ranks of Al Qaeda:

“Officials say the alleged terror plot was initiated by new al Qaeda chief Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden's successor.”

So how did leaders respond to the serious, albeit unsubstantiated threat?

The Washington Post writes President Obama knew of the threat this morning as he prepared his jobs speech. He urged officials to take action.

An anonymous White House official told the Post:

“The President directed the counterterrorism community to redouble its efforts in response to this credible but unconfirmed information.”

Meanwhile, New York’s mayor told New York 1 he’ll be taking the subway tomorrow but is taking precautionary measures and beefing up security:

From The New York Times:

“Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg of New York and the city’s police commissioner, Raymond W. Kelly, said at a news conference that police would set up vehicle checkpoints around the city, increase bag checks on the subway and keep a closer eye on bridges and tunnels. The mayor noted that the threat information had not been corroborated and warned against an overreaction.”

We’ll continue to follow this story and bring you analysis on the latest developments.


 

Transcript by Newsy.