Terror Expert: 'Be Aware, But Don't Fear"

Government officials warn of retaliation by al-Qaeda for Osama bin Laden’s death.  But, Montgomery County Community College instructor, Ben Prybutok says, “Be aware, but don’t fear.”  Prybutok is MCCC’s Director of Criminal Justice program, and teaches terrorism, counter-terrorism and homeland security courses.  He says our area has the same type of terrorist targets as urban areas.

Public places where large numbers of people congregate, and have easy ways to enter and exit the facilities are targets for al-Qaeda.  They include:  shopping malls, hospitals, places of worship, schools and colleges, and mass transit.

Prybutok urges citizens to be watchful, but not paranoid.  “If you see unusual behaviors for a setting and your brain is telling you something isn’t right, report it, and tell others around you.”  He likes New York Metropolitan Transit Authority’s post 9/11 slogan:  “If you see it, say it.” 

The aim of al-Qaeda is to “maximize death and destruction – killing and maiming the largest number of people possible,” Prybutok explained.  The worldwide terrorist network is comprised of small groups being urged by al-Qaeda leaders via Internet videos to carry out violent acts without waiting for an orchestrated, massive attack, Prybutok says. Despite Osama being gunned down, Prybutok says, “I’m leaving the celebrating to others; the death of Osama doesn’t change things.” 

Therefore, citizens should be “situationally aware” of their surroundings.  Prybutok says it is more likely to see “precursors” to terrorism than a terrorist act.  Precursors include ways to  “case” a place:

• Photographing buildings, especially entrances and exits
• Photographing traffic barriers
• Taking great interest in security cameras, and building entrances and exits
• Asking about building security
• Breaking through a security check point of a building and running away.

Prybutok says nine out of 10 instances reported may not be related to terrorism, but urges citizens “not overanalyze things.”  Let law enforcement officers investigate and decide if the concern requires action.  Last summer in Berlin Prybutok saw two women outside his hotel being unusually interested to the hotel’s entrance beneath the portico and its traffic barriers.  He alerted police.

Other signs to look for, report and warn those nearby include a person:

• Being unusually nervous, given the context of the setting
• Walking backwards -- it may be a sign of rethinking what one may do
• Throwing car keys or a cell phone away or down a storm sewer
• Releasing liquids
• Setting down a package, briefcase or suitcase and leaving it.

Smelling acetone may be a tip off that an explosive is close by.  Acetone smells like nail polish remover and airplane glue.  In any of these cases mentioned above, Prybutok says remain calm.  “The way you react will influence the way others react.  Matter-of-factly suggest that what is seen or smelled may be dangerous, and tell others to move away from it, and that you will report it.” he says.  “Moving even 10 feet away from a device could be the difference between life and death,” Prybutok added. 

“The world is not a terribly dangerous place, even for Americans traveling.  Just be aware, and don’t fear,” Prybutok says.