London terror attack highlights soft targets in Bay Area

By
Wednesday, March 22, 2017
Wednesday's attack in London highlights the very real concern over soft targets in the Bay Area.
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Counter-terrorism officials in the Bay Area say they process more than 1,000 reported threats each year, but the vast majority turns out to be dead ends.

But, Wednesday's attack in London highlights the very real concern over soft targets in the Bay Area.

"In the U.K., they are trying to make attribution as we speak, meaning who did it and what was the motive for that attack. That has not changed our posture here," Assistant Special Agent in Charge Craig Fair told ABC7.

The FBI's head of counter-terrorism operations for the bay area says the attack in London has not increased the alert level here. Fair says they are always vigilant for these low-tech attacks.

"By any means necessary is what we're seeing these days and that continues to be the trend," Fair said.

PHOTOS: Parliament on lockdown after reports of firearms incident
A man is treated by emergency services, as a knife lays on the floor, outside the Houses of Parliament London, Wednesday, March 22, 2017.none
Mark Rowley, Assistant Commissioner for Specialist Operations in the Metropolitan Police, speaks to the media outside Scotland Yard in London, Wednesday, March 22, 2017.none
Police forensic officers at the scene close to the Houses of Parliament in London, Wednesday, March 22, 2017.none
Emergency services on Westminister Bridge after a policeman was stabbed and his apparent attacker shot by officers.none
Emergency services staff provide medical attention close to the Houses of Parliament in London, Wednesday, March 22, 2017.none
Armed police walk past emergency services attending to injured people on the floor outside the Houses of Parliament, London, Wednesday, March 22, 2017.none
Armed police outside the the Houses of Parliament, London, Wednesday, March 22, 2017.none
An injured man sits covered with a blanket as emergency services staff provide medical attention to injured people on the south side of Westminster Bridge.none
Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood, left, stands amongst the emergency services at the scene outside the Palace of Westminster, London, Wednesday, March 22, 2017.none
"Foreign office minister Tobias Ellwood looking like he's sporting fresh blood."none
"Parliament staff have been escorted to Westminster Abbey. Everyone's details will be taken."none
Parliament member Barry Sheerman posted this photo from inside the lock-down.none
People inside Parliament were being escorted out, wrote Twitter user Tim Kaplan when posting this photo.none
Parliament member Barry Sheerman shared this photo showing Parliament members waiting while in lockdown.none
Emergency services staff provide medical attention close to the Houses of Parliament in London, Wednesday, March 22, 2017.none
Armed police officers gather outside of the Houses of Parliament in London, Wednesday, March 23, 2017.none
Armed police officers enter the Houses of Parliament in London, Wednesday, March 23, 2017.none
Emergency services staff provide medical attention close to the Houses of Parliament in London, Wednesday, March 22, 2017.none
Police secure the area close to the Houses of Parliament in London, Wednesday, March 22, 201.none
Emergency services staff provide medical attention close to the Houses of Parliament in London, Wednesday, March 22, 2017none
Police secure the area close to the Houses of Parliament in London, Wednesday, March 22 following reports of violence.none
Police secure the area close to the Houses of Parliament in London, Wednesday, March 22 following reports of violence.none
Police secure the area close to the Houses of Parliament in London, Wednesday, March 22 following reports of violence.none
Armed police officers enter the Houses of Parliament in London, Wednesday, March 23, 2017 after thenone
Armed police officers enter the Houses of Parliament in London, Wednesday, March 23 after the House of Commons sitting was suspended as witnesses reported sounds like gunfire.none
An armed police officer stands on Parliament Square outside of the Houses of Parliament in London, Wednesday, March 23 after witnesses reported sounds like gunfire outside.none
Police secure the area on the south side of Westminster Bridge close to the Houses of Parliament in London, Wednesday, March 22, 2017.none


This simple type of attack using an SUV and a knife is a serious threat around the world and right here, in the bay area. Just last summer ISIS put out a video naming the golden gate bridge and financial district as possible targets.

San Francisco's tourist attractions, wide sidewalks, and sporting events are also what the FBI calls potential soft targets for a terrorist.

WATCH VIDEO: Gunfire reported outside Parliament building in London
British Parliament in lockdown after reports of violent incident


"A soft target can be found in any community or major city where it's not hardened by any kind of security features, security personnel or there typically is not some type of armed presence," Fair said.

The FBI says there is little anyone can do to stop a terrorist running down people in a car or truck as has been seen several times in recent months. But, fair says the objective is to get ahead of the threat.

"We are relying on all members of our communities to let us know if there's a potential act of terror."

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