Keating sees `great danger' of more attacks

Bay State U.S. Rep. William Keating said there is a “great danger out there” as law enforcement officials work to determine whether a man captured in connection with bombings in New York City and New Jersey acted alone in carrying out attacks that left dozens injured.

“It’s a real concern if indeed this is one individual operating by himself, if he still has explosives. We saw in Massachusetts, in Watertown, how you can carry those pipe bombs around and use them if you have a fear of being apprehended. So there is a great danger out there now,” Keating told Boston Herald Radio, referencing the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings, which were followed by a police shootout days later.

“But there is also opportunity and that’s the other side of the coin,” the congressman added. “Now they can view associates, they can get on computers, pressure those associates. This could lead to all kinds of information.”

Officials said the suspect, Ahmad Khan Rahami, was wounded and taken into custody yesterday morning after exchanging gunfire with police in New Jersey.

Keating, a member of the House’s Homeland Security Committee, said he has received some background information about Rahami but expects a more detailed classified briefing later this week.

The Cape Cod Democrat said the bombs used to target a Manhattan neighborhood and a charity race in New Jersey last weekend showed “a higher level of sophistication than rudimentary bombs,” pointing to the cellphone detonators and electronics used in the weapons.

“This is a step up in sophistication from other explosive devices. There is reason to be concerned there might be others involved with this,” Keating said. “Is it just a domestic incident or is it something that has roots overseas?”

Keating also said there is reason to be concerned about other plots that could be carried out if associates fear being arrested in the wake of Rahami’s capture.

Massachusetts State Police spokesman David Procopio released a statement saying the counter-terrorism Commonwealth Fusion Center has found no links between Rahami and Massachusetts, but will continue to monitor and investigate the situation.

The state police will enhance security operations for Thursday’s Patriots’ game at Gillette Stadium as they did for Sunday’s game, Procopio added.

Troopers will also increase the frequency of patrols through public transit centers and regional transportation centers within their barracks jurisdictions to supplement transit police.