DON’T PANIC!
If you haven’t heard by now, the FBI issued an alert yesterday saying they had received a tip stating that Al-Qaeda had planned to attack shopping malls (seriously?) in Los Angeles and Chicago this holiday season. It sounded ridiculous yesterday and it still sounds ridiculous today. The FBI has now said that the tip was unsubstantiated, though they erred on the side of caution and alerted local authorities to be alert during holiday shopping.
Supposedly, Al-Qaeda had been planning this for two years to “disrupt the economy,” but there are no details to back it up and local police don’t know which malls to guard. In L.A. and Orange County alone it feels like there’s a mall per 100 people, so that’s got to be overwhelming. And while this report has made national news, Deputy Chief Michael P. Downing said that they get this alert every year around this time and nothing has happened yet. Still, they are encouraging people to be alert and know their surroundings, and to report any suspicious packages they might see laying around. And with the amount of panicked holiday shopping that people do, I’m sure quite a few people will forget a bag and people will panic unnecessarily.
Still, the public is calling for large public buildings like shopping malls to be reinforced to make it harder for any attacks to happen, by doing things such as blocking off all pedestrian entrances (to prevent cars driving into malls), being aware of unclaimed packages, and having more clearly marked, easily accessible emergency exits that won’t become clogged with people in case a fast exit is needed.
All in all, the police and the FBI are just telling you to keep an eye out while you’re shopping, but you’re as safe as you were every other December of your life. So don’t panic. 
You can read more about this report through the L.A. Times.
January 23rd, 2010 at 6:06 pm
I’ve personally dealt with anxiety attacks my whole life. It started when I was just a teenager and I’ve had to deal with them since then. I’ve finally figured out that has helped me get them done once and for all. I will tell you that it wasn’t quick or easy, but after a while I was able to finally get rid of them. I’m no longer dealing with them and its like I’ve started a new life not dealing with panic attacks. I also saw a Dr. Oz special a few days ago, sometimes it isn’t a panic attack that is the root of the problem, I’d also recommend talking to your doctor. Good luck!
March 3rd, 2010 at 9:42 am
I love your site, well thought off.