Summerville, SC - The F.B.I. talks terrorism in the lowcountry today. Lowcountry republicans held a 9/11 remembrance meeting and hosted a panel talk about terrorism from local F.B.I officials.    

Eight years after terrorists attacked New York City's twin towers killing almost 3,000 people, F.B.I. authorities say the fight against terrorism isn't over.

“Terrorism didn’t end with 9/11 in a way it was an awakening of global terrorism,” Michael Haas, who is F.B.I. senior resident agent for the Charleston area, said.

In 2007, two men were pulled over in Goose Creek, near the Naval Weapons station. Authorities say they found explosive materials and video instructions on bomb making. One of those men, Ahmed Mohamed was sentenced last year to 15 years in prison for providing materials to terrorists.
   
Agent Haas says the lowcountry is not immune and Charleston has several vulnerabilities like the Ravenel.

“Charleston actually does a fairly attractive terrorist target. There may be things people may not be aware of which are of interest to terrorists. In addition to Charleston’s history and the importance it played in the revolution and the civil war, its also referred to as a holy city, it has some unique infrastructure things that make it unique, its got the longest stay bridge in the hemisphere,” Haas said.

Haas also cites Charleston's military presence, defense contractors, and its port as vulnerabilities. That's why the joint terrorism task force exists across the state and in the lowcountry.

“We have a very robust presence in Charleston. Its approximately 10 individuals and they represent a gambit of federal, state and local agencies to find, combat, dismantle, disrupt terrorism,” Haas said.

 Email To Friend