The FBI and Homeland Security Department distributed an intelligence bulletin Friday to state and local law enforcement nationwide describing the online threat against sporting venues, said Special Agent Richard Kolko, an FBI spokesman in Washington.
"We have absolutely no credible intelligence or threats pertaining to this issue," Kolko said.
With conference tournaments taking place this weekend, and the NCAA tournament scheduled to begin next week, the bulletin was sent "out of an abundance of caution," Kolko said.
"We have been in touch with Homeland Security and the FBI about this issue," said NCAA spokesman Erik Christiansen.
"We do not believe there is an imminent threat," he said. "We are in constant communication with the local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, including Homeland Security and the FBI. This is not new; we are in regular contact with all these law enforcement agencies at every level."
The online message described a potential attack in some detail, calling it an efficient way to kill thousands of people using suicide bombers armed with explosives hidden beneath their winter clothing, said a federal law enforcement official who read the bulletin.
But the government document also said U.S. intelligence sources could not corroborate the information or say whether the site was linked to al-Qaida.
Christiansen said, "There was no mention of a specific event or organization."
In the past, intelligence assessments have been sent in advance of major holidays and sporting events because they pose an inviting target for terrorists.
On Friday evening, a joint statement was released by the Greensboro Police Department, Greensboro Coliseum Complex, and the Atlantic Coast Conference, stating: "In response to the FBI’s request to review security practices at all major national sporting events, the Greensboro Police department, Greensboro Coliseum and ACC officials met and reviewed the 2006 Tournament security plan. The issues brought forth in the FBI directive are addressed by the security plan in place and efforts will continue to be made to ensure the safety of all participants and patrons."
WRAL talked with the general manager of the RBC Center Saturday afternoon. He said there will be no changes in security at the arena for the MEAC tournament. Fans will go through metal detectors and must have their bags searched
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