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San Diego Area Authorities: Remain Vigilant In Wake Of Brussels Attacks

San Diego Area Authorities: Remain Vigilant In Wake Of Brussels Attacks
Brussels Attacks GUESTS:Rob Schupp, spokesman, Metropolitan Transit System Barbara Walter, political science professor, UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy Lt. John Forsythe, San Diego Harbor Police Department

Terror attacks at the international airport and a subway station in Brussels, Belgium that left at least 36 people dead and many more injured Tuesday prompted San Diego area authorities to advise security personnel, transit passengers and local residents to remain vigilant.

RELATED: Terrorist Bombings Strike Brussels: What We Know

Although no credible threats were made in San Diego, Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman said local law enforcement officers were "monitoring the situation, coordinating with state and federal authorities, and taking all necessary precautions."

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"We will not hesitate to adjust security measures to ensure the continued safety of our citizens," Zimmerman said. "We ask everyone to remain vigilant and if you see something, hear something, or know something, please say something."

Authorities at the San Diego International Airport have heightened security in light of the attacks, for which ISIS has claimed responsibility. Passengers were also being urged to report anything suspicious, airport spokesman Jonathan Heller said.

"As always, passengers should always be aware of their surroundings and if they see anything that they think is unusual or suspicious, they ought to tell security or police as soon as possible," Heller said.

Metropolitan Transit System spokesman Rob Schupp told City News Service the agency issued a memo to security supervisors this morning alerting them to the situation in Brussels. It included a reminder for security personnel to keep an eye out for anything suspicious and to not hesitate to report suspicious activity.

"All of our guys will be even more watchful today," Schupp said. "They'll be taking notice of anything that looks suspicious."

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No transit service interruptions are expected in light of the attacks and travelers will likely not be affected by ramped up security efforts, according to Schupp.

However, passengers may notice a regularly deployed contingent of bomb- detecting dogs patrolling around transit stops — especially those with high volume.

"They'll make their presence known today," he said.

Schupp, UC San Diego political science professor Barbara Walter and San Diego Harbor Police Department Lt. John Forsythe joined KPBS Midday Edition on Tuesday to discuss repercussions of the Brussels attacks in San Diego and beyond.

Corrected: April 24, 2024 at 8:17 AM PDT
Correction: The story has been updated with the correct spelling of Lt. John Forsythe's name.