Politics & Government

Passengers at JFK React to Heightened Security Fears

Travelers face beefed-up safety measures in the wake of the death of Osama bin Laden on Sunday

Passengers at area airports stepped out Monday morning into a brave new world — one without the specter of Sept. 11 mastermind Osama bin Laden, but with new fears about possible retaliatory attacks by the terrorist network he founded, Al Qaeda.

Responding to those concerns, officials at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced they would increase security at their facilities, which include major hubs like Newark Liberty, LaGuardia and Kennedy International airports.

"This response is not based on a current threat, but out of an abundance of caution until we have the chance to learn more," said Port Authority executive director Chris Ward in a statement released early Monday morning. "In the meantime, all Port Authority facilities remain fully operational and at normal service levels."

Find out what's happening in Bayside-Douglastonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

New York Police Department commissioner Ray Kelly also sent a message to all police commands for officers to remain alert, according to the Associated Press.

At Kennedy International early Monday morning, Ed and Debbie Terranova largely shrugged off concerns about possible new terrorist acts in the wake of Bin Laden's death in a shootout with U.S. Navy Seals in Pakistan on Sunday. 

Find out what's happening in Bayside-Douglastonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"It's been so long, it's been almost 10 years. I don't think they're elated about what's happened, but I don't think we'll notice much difference in security," Ed Terranova said.

For newlywed Giacomo Abrusci of Old Bridge, N.J., the heightened security at area airports only added to his anxiety as he rushed to make a plane for his honeymoon in Turks and Caicos with his wife, Nicole. 

"I'm really worried about the security, that's why we're rushing to get out of here," Abrusci said. 


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Bayside-Douglaston