Former President Obama will headline a Democratic rally Friday afternoon at Detroit’s Cass Tech High School.
Increased security is expected after several pipe bomb devices were sent through the mail to several targets, including Obama’s home in Washington D. C.
The Secret Service, FBI, Michigan State Police, and Detroit Police will all be part of security.
They don’t discuss their plans.
Retired FBI Special Agent in Charge Andy Arena says one thing that will likely happen is an increased buffer around the school so that no one can drive in with a truck bomb.
“If you have a truck-laden bomb, you’re not going to be able to get it close to the building,” Arena said.
Detroit is used to having high profile potential terrorism targets.
Then President Obama visited the Detroit Auto Show. Michelle Obama has been in town promoting her book.
The motorcade from the airport to the event will close streets and cause traffic problems for all of us.
Security will be a concern on the road.
“The threat can come from anywhere at any time. So you’ve always got to be on your toes and leaning forward,” Arena said.
Arena was the head of the FBI in Detroit on Christmas Day 2009 when a young man tried to blow up a plane flying in from Amsterdam with a bomb in his underwear. The bomb failed.
The man is doing life in prison.
Arena says, “We’re still known for that. The underwear bomber in Detroit, major terrorist attack. That’s not something you want on your resume.”
Students and people coming in for the rally will have to go through tight security. Law enforcement prepares for the worst, to keep everyone safe.
