US tightens security for upcoming Democratic convention

US authorities are tightening security measures for the Democratic National Convention scheduled in Boston, Massachusetts, on July 26-29, officials said Wednesday.

At a press conference during an inspection of the convention site on Wednesday, Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said that credible reporting indicates that al Qaeda is moving forward with plans to carry out a large-scale attack in the United States aimed to disrupt the elections in November.

Ridge was briefed earlier in the day on the security operationsand toured the convention's main venuethe Fleet Centerto inspect the resources and preparations.

The department's Secret Service, in coordination and cooperation with partners at the federal, state, and local level, has led the design and implementation of all security planning, conducted comprehensive security assessments of all convention venues, and coordinated multiple interagency training exercises tofine tune these security procedures, he said.

Also engaged in the security efforts are the Coast Guard, the Transportation Security Administration, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other agencies, he said.

During the convention, patrols will be conducted in the harbor and surrounding waters to provide "blanket security coverage" that will trap any terrorists attempting to swim to shore or smuggle weaponry over these waterways, he said.

Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry, a senator from Massachusetts, will be officially nominated at the convention, along with his vice presidential running mate, Senator John Edwards from North Carolina.

Mobile command vehicles will be positioned at strategic locations to coordinate communications across multiple law enforcement agencies, and around-the-clock surveillance of key convention facilities will be ensured during the four-day convention, he said.

Ridge called on convention attendees and residents of the city report suspicious items or activities to the authorities immediately.

Source:Xinhua