Security Heightened at Wake County Malls, RDU

Raleigh, N.C. — Wake County malls and the Raleigh-Durham International Airport heightened security Wednesday after the sheriff's office received an anonymous threat.

The threatening letter arrived in the mail Wednesday and noted possible attacks on shopping centers and RDU.

North Hills Mall management sent a letter to its merchants informing them of the anonymous threat. It asked tenants to take extra security precautions while the threat is investigated.

"Anything is possible, so we need to take any little threat into consideration," shopper Jessica McKnight said.

Security guards were also on high alert, keeping a close eye out for suspicious activity.

The sheriff's office is not releasing any additional information about the letter.

"I think if you let a lot of information out at once, you can really scare people and it can be a panic attack. But I think just letting out that there was a letter gives enough suspicion, so people are going to hold off from the malls a little bit," shopper Anna Pollard said.

RDU was also notified of the threat. According to a spokesperson, the airport always has a strong police presence. When there is information regarding a possible threat, security and airport personnel continue to look for suspicious activity – as they always do.

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Latest Comments

Unfortunately, we are all the first line of defense against terrorist attacks. Awareness of our surroundings is mandatory. Anyone using a cellphone has ceded their vigilance. But fear not. Obama will bring our soldiers home and they will protect us.

retroconsultant
February 7, 2008 2:17 p.m.

" (Unless, of course, they come in through Belks, Sears, or the other big stores that don't post a restriction) ;)" -Dave Green

Now you've done it. Expect to see signs soon.

Harrison Bergeron
February 7, 2008 1:56 p.m.

Through a glass darkly: Yep. The sad thing is with the no conceiled carry restrictions at the mall there will be far fewer people there with the wherewithall to save your bacon should the need arise. (Unless, of course, they come in through Belks, Sears, or the other big stores that don't post a restriction) ;)

Dave Green
February 7, 2008 1:28 p.m.

The Mall will probably throw up "No concealed weapons" signs now, as if terrorist or lunatics would turn around and leave when they read the sign. It will only prevent concealed carry license holders from being there, the very people who might actually be able to stop a mass shooting event. Of course we really don't have the details of the exact threat. I could be that the treat involved the use of explosives or biological weapons. This whole thing could be a hoax or attention getter but in these days can we afford to ignore it? --Ghostrogue

I just ignore those signs. No sign on a mall window or resturant is going to keep me from protecting my family.

floriduhschoolboy
February 7, 2008 12:38 p.m.

I tend to think most of these "warning letters" are written by someone with a pecuniary interest in the situation, i.e. someone that will profit from increased security presence. Think about it. If someone is going to "attack" a mall or whatever, are they really going to send a ltter and say, "hey there, look out, I'm think of doing harm to people on your property"? Yeah...right.