Security tightened across Las Vegas Valley

Jace Radke

Tuesday, March 18, 2003 | 10:04 a.m.

Las Vegas authorities tightened security across the valley after President Bush issued an ultimatum to Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein on Monday night.

The FBI, Metro Police, airport authorities and other officials went on heightened alert after the federal government moved the terrorist alert status up one level to orange, fearing potential terrorist attacks if the nation proceeds to war.

At Nellis Air Force Base the security remains at Bravo level, two levels below the highest alert stage, Delta.

More than 1,100 soldiers from Nellis are currently deployed overseas, depleting the base of about an eighth of it's military personnel, stretching the remaining soldiers.

"Certainly the operations tempo has increased, but it really depends on what missions we have, and what units have had the most deployments," Maj. Vic Hines said.

The FBI is also gearing up in the wake of the president's speech, Special Agent Daron Borst said.

"Obviously things are picking up around here, and if we go to war, the office will be staffed 24 hours a day, with agents working 12 hour shifts," Borst said. "There is no specific information about possible attacks in Las Vegas, but the security level was raised to orange in light of the escalation of tensions around the world."

Metro Police Capt. Mike McClary, who heads up the department's homeland security unit, said that Las Vegas is prepared for a terrorist attack, and added there haven't been any threats that would effect Las Vegas.