August 12, 2005

Huntington Beach, Calif. - Three individuals recently reported videotaping the Santa Monica Pier in a manner some tipster considered not consistent with activities of tourists were possibly seen videotaping the Huntington Beach Pier.  Huntington Beach Police Lt. Dave Bunetta said his agency has no information that suggests an actual terrorist threat.

Police in Santa Monica tighten security even as the FBI says suspicions aroused by recent videotaping of high-profile structures appear to be unfounded. Santa Monica Police Chief James T. Butts Jr. met with reporters this week and declared a potential homeland security threat, based on a call last month from a citizen who had taken photos of "Middle Eastern individuals" as they shot video of the Santa Monica Pier and surrounding area in a manner that authorities said was "inconsistent with tourist documentary."

In a press release, Butts said he wanted to assure residents, business owners and visitors that the Police Department was increasing security as a preemptive measure against any potential terrorism threats or other security breaches.

Law enforcement sources said the individuals in question were also reported to have filmed around the Vincent Thomas Bridge, linking Los Angeles and Long Beach, and the Huntington Beach Pier.

FBI officials took a stance on the situation. An FBI spokeswoman, Laura Eimiller, said the agency looked into the situation after the individuals filmed the Vincent Thomas Bridge and determined at that time that they didn't pose a threat.

Other law enforcement agencies have yet to follow Santa Monica's lead and issue public warnings. Huntington Beach Police Lt. Dave Bunetta said his agency has no information that suggests an actual terrorist threat.

Butts informed the Santa Monica City Council about the filming at a closed session meeting Tuesday ' the same day he asked for surveillance cameras, additional patrols and bomb-sniffing dogs around the pier area and the Third Street Promenade to boost security as a preemptive measure against any potential terrorism threats or other security breaches.  The city is expected to spend about $2 million for these measures, according to City Council members.

During the meeting, Butts showed the City Council the photos of the men videotaping the pier. Several council members said Friday that they backed the way Butts handled the situation, saying it made sense to beef up security. They also expressed support for Butts' plan to place cameras at the pier and other popular public places.

Katz said the three photos Butts showed the council during the closed session meeting left him with concerns. There were three people taking pictures on a pier that's a tourist attraction. They were observed and photographed taking video of the pier pilings and under-structure.

Other agencies said they are still working with Santa Monica police and other federal agents to confirm whether the individuals making the videotapes at the Santa Monica pier also were involved in filming in their communities. While they don't see a need to issue a public warning now, that could charge based on new information.

Los Angeles Port Police Chief Ronald J. Boyd, whose agency patrols the Vincent Thomas Bridge, said his department is also investigating.  The bridge is considered a possible terrorist target because it links the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, which constitute the third-largest seaport in the world.