State potentially targeted

By Susanna Ray

Herald Writer

OLYMPIA — Although a series of "tourist quality" photos of the Space Needle and diagrams possibly related to Grand Coulee Dam were found in Afghanistan recently, Gov. Gary Locke said Wednesday there’s no reason for state residents to worry.

"Washington state is not a target of any terrorist attack," Locke said.

Locke said federal officials notified him of the discovery last week, but he saw no reason to tell the public because federal officials assured him there was no known credible threat. He said he did make sure the FBI contacted the Seattle Police Department about the photos.

The discovery emerged earlier Wednesday after NBC News reported that various notable structures in Washington state were potential al-Qaida terrorist targets.

The Space Needle picture that was found is "of a tourist quality, nothing that had any intelligence value," said Maj. Gen. Timothy Lowenberg, commander of the Washington National Guard.

The state is not on a higher level of alert as a result of the find, Locke said, but "as the president said last night (in his state of the union address), we’re in for a sustained effort, and we should not relax our guard."

Locke said there were also pictures of Seattle’s skyline that were taken before the Kingdome was demolished in March 2000. The pictures of the Space Needle were taken from a distance and only showed the top half of the structure, he said.

Other than the pictures, there have been no details discovered of other plans targeting state landmarks, Locke said.

Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske said the FBI informed him of the picture several days ago.

"We are taking it seriously, but we don’t believe there’s any reason for undue concern,” he said.

The development did heighten concern about terrorism in the state, where Algerian Ahmed Ressam was arrested with a car trunk full of explosives as he arrived at Port Angeles by ferry from British Columbia in December 1999. Ressam, who trained in Osama bin Laden-financed terrorist camps in Afghanistan, was convicted of plotting to blow up Los Angeles International Airport.

NBC News also reported that evidence was found in Afghanistan that indicated large hydroelectric dams in Washington state, such as Grand Coulee Dam, were potential targets.

The FBI issued a new warning Wednesday that said al-Qaida members may have been studying U.S. dams and water-supply systems in preparation for new attacks. The terrorists also may have sought information on the Internet about insecticides and pest-control products.

A computer belonging to someone with indirect ties to Osama bin Laden contained architectural and engineering software as it related to dams and other water-retaining structures, the FBI said. The bureau did not say where the computer was found.

The Bureau of Reclamation’s Craig Sprankle, a spokesman for the Grand Coulee Dam, said he would not discuss any recent warnings.

Since Sept. 11, the dam has been on highest alert, eliminating public tours, closing the road over the dam, shutting down fishing at the base of the dam and requiring all employees to wear badges.

In Washington, D.C., a defense official speaking on condition of anonymity told The Associated Press that diagrams of American nuclear power plants found by U.S. forces in Afghanistan show al-Qaida’s interest in striking them, but it’s unclear how far along those plans were.

Some of the material recovered appears to be from public sources such as magazines. It is not known how al-Qaida came by the rest.

The discoveries highlight the dangers posed by the terrorist network, officials said.

At the hastily called press conference in Olympia Wednesday, Rep. Aaron Reardon, D-Everett, was among a group of security officials and state lawmakers who stood behind Locke as he addressed reporters.

Reardon is a member of the House Select Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, and he said legislators have been working on numerous bills dealing with Washington residents’ safety.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

You can call Herald Writer Susanna Ray at 360-586-3803 or send e-mail to

ray@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Firefighters respond to a 911 call on July 16, 2024, in Mill Creek. Firefighters from South County Fire, Tulalip Bay Fire Department and Camano Island Fire and Rescue left Wednesday to help fight the LA fires. (Photo provided by South County Fire)
Help is on the way: Snohomish County firefighters en route to LA fires

The Los Angeles wildfires have caused at least 180,000 evacuations. The crews expect to arrive Friday.

x
Edmonds police shooting investigation includes possibility of gang violence

The 18-year-old victim remains in critical condition as of Friday morning.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River. Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council approves water, sewer rate increases

The 43% rise in combined water and sewer rates will pay for large infrastructure projects.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

Wade Erickson, maintenance with the Edmonds School District, passes by a school closure sign as he clears snow from the sidewalk in front of Edmonds-Woodway High School on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
UPDATED: Schools close across Snohomish County on Thursday

Snohomish County lowlands remain under cold weather and winter weather advisories.

Modern DNA tech comes through again for Everett police in 1989 murder case

Recent advances in forensic genealogy led to the suspect’s arrest in Clark County, Nevada.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.