LV could have been targeted, expert says

Diana Sahagun

Friday, Sept. 28, 2001 | 9:56 a.m.

A leading expert on terrorism told a national audience Wednesday that Las Vegas could have been the target of a suicide mission similar to the attacks at the World Trade Center.

Mayor Oscar Goodman, however, said Las Vegas isn't a target.

Magnus Ranstorp, deputy director of the Center for the Study of Terrorism in Scotland, told ABC's "20-20" Wednesday that Las Vegas could have been a target, based partly on a manual for terrorists found during investigation of the 1998 bombings of two U.S. Embassies in Africa. The terrorist training manual, written in Arabic, was entered as evidence in the embassy bombing trial.

The 18-chapter, 179-page manual tells followers of ways to infiltrate Western society to avoid detection. The first page details the mission, which is the "overthrow of the godless regimes and their replacement of an Islamic regime." The methods include blasting and destroying embassies, vital economics centers and bridges leading into and out of the cities.

Ranstorp said since Mohamed Atta, who is believed to have flown American Airlines Flight 11 into the North Tower of the World Trade Center, visited Las Vegas in June and August, it's likely he was plotting a local attack.

"When you're dealing with someone who has such a role in pulling this operation off, its entirely plausible that there would have been a reconnaissance mission on other targets that would represent the symbol of what would be considered to Muslims as decadence," Ranstorp said.

Goodman debunked the rumors during a taping for ABC's "World News Tonight with Peter Jennings." The segment wasn't aired, however.

"I haven't heard one peep that Las Vegas was ever considered as a target," Goodman said Wednesday. "All I heard was some of the morons involved (in the terrorist attacks) may have stopped by here to have a little vacation. But that happens in Las Vegas. We are the destination resort for people who want to have a good time."

Ranstorp said Las Vegas could have been a target, as the manual alludes to destroying "places of amusement ... and sin." These entertainment destinations were "not a vital target," according to the manual.

Goodman said Las Vegas is not a place such as described in the manual.

"I don't think of Las Vegas that way," Goodman said. "I see us as the destination capital of the world for having a great time ... for playing adult games, and relaxing."