U.S. authorities investigate Internet threat to New York City

2012-04-03 08:23:43 GMT+7 (ICT)

NEW YORK (BNO NEWS) -- U.S. authorities are investigating the meaning and origin of three images which were posted on an al-Qaeda affiliated website on Monday. The graphics appear to threaten an al-Qaeda attack in the near future in New York City, although a note suggests it may not be a serious threat.

The graphics were posted on early Monday morning on a forum which is used by al-Qaeda leaders to release statements, videos and audio but is also used for discussions by its supporters. The images were posted in the 'artwork and design' section of the website, indicating that the poster is likely a supporter but not a member of al-Qaeda.

Three graphics were posted on the website, all of which are identical except for the font used to display a caption reading 'Al-Qaeda Coming Soon Again in New York.' The graphic uses a publicly available wallpaper, showing the Manhattan skyline, although it has been edited to show a street with pedestrians in the foreground.

"The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force is aware of the posting and investigating its authenticity and origin," said FBI spokesman J. Peter Donald, adding that the agency takes all threats seriously. "At this time there is no specific or credible threat to New York."

New York Police Department (NYPD) Commissioner Paul J. Browne said the cyber unit at the NYPD's Intelligence Division is also investigating the origin and significance of the graphic. "Until more is learned about their origin, we take all threats against New York City seriously," Browne said, without saying whether extra security measures have been taken.

A note from the creator of the graphic called the posting a 'humble attempt' at merging two images with Photoshop, suggesting that the images may have been created as a test and not meant to represent a serious terror threat. Members of the forum congratulated the poster for creating the graphic.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2012-04-03

The graphic:

Edited April 3, 201214 yr by mpoppel

I guess the juxtaposition of this with the UK internet monitoring law changes is purely coincidental.

Correction, this image should work: