Hub cops plug safety after German race knife plot
The foiled knife plot targeting Berlin’s half marathon is a red flag for Massachusetts police who a week from today will be guarding the Boston Marathon’s 26.2-mile route.
“It heightens the level of awareness and what the police will be alert to,” said Thomas Nolan, a criminology professor at Merrimack College and former Boston police lieutenant. “They’ve been preparing for truck and vehicle attacks. And now there is a new wrinkle coming from Berlin, where you have a knife attack . ... They’ll now be aware there is potential for this kind of attack and prepare for that as well.”
Nolan said even with up to 8,000 officers along the marathon route, “I don’t think police can prepare for every possible contingency that can occur. If someone is determined to mount some kind of attack, the reality is there is very little police can do.”
Six suspects were detained in a plot against Berlin’s half marathon yesterday, German authorities said. The newspaper Die Welt reported several suspects were linked to terrorist Anis Amri, a failed Tunisian asylum seeker with Islamist ties.
Former Boston police commissioner Edward F. Davis said intelligence from the Berlin plot can help security officials in Boston.
“You always have to be aware of what’s happening in the world. The incident will be more interesting, not because of the weapons used, but because of the motivation of the suspects. ... Was there a conspiracy beforehand?” Davis asked. “There are a lot of attacks that are stopped before you go operational. And that’s really what you hope for in the war against terrorism.”
Local authorities said they’re prepared for any kind of attack on Marathon Monday.
“State Police, in conjunction with our partners, prepare for a wide range of contingencies. The complex and multilayered operational plan for the Marathon considers all conceivable realistic threats and the venue is hardened, as much as possible, against those threats. The plan includes uniformed, plainclothes, tactical and intelligence assets. The runners and spectators can be assured that everything that can be done to make the event as safe as possible is being done,” state police spokesman David Procopio said in a statement.
Boston police spokeswoman Rachel McGuire said the Boston Police Department is “aware of the ongoing investigation in Berlin and continues to monitor the situation. At this time, there is no connection or specific threat to the Boston Marathon, however, the BPD is prepared to ensure the safety and security of all those attending and participating in the upcoming weekend’s events.”