An image made from Geo TV video shows flames at what is thought to be the compound where terror mastermind Osama bin Laden was killed Sunday, May 1, 2011, in Abbatabad, Pakistan. (AP Photo/GEO TV)
Police go on alert after death of bin Laden
Pennsylvania and New Jersey authorities braced for signs of terrorist activity Monday after Osama bin Laden's death, increasing security around religious centers, transportation hubs and other public places.
Officials stressed that there are no known threats against the area, asking the public to be alert but not fearful.
"Not everybody is celebrating what took place yesterday," Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey said. "There are still people out there who are more than willing to harm us. The public needs to be aware of that - not to stop doing what they do, but just be aware that the situation has taken a pretty dramatic turn. And none of us really know what that means."
In Washington, CIA director Leon Panetta said that terrorist groups around the world "almost certainly will attempt to avenge" bin Laden's death.
Officers in Philadelphia stepped up patrols for synagogues and mosques. New Jersey State Police reached out to religious groups to encourage sharing information and bolstered police presence at places like malls and tourist attractions, said Sgt. Steven Jones.
"Nobody thinks that this will be the end of terrorism," Jones said.
Hours after Ramsey said Philadelphia police are on "high alert," police found a device resembling a pipe bomb at an Old City bank. The device was not explosive, and police are still investigating.
Officers are working with the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, as well as representatives of Amtrak and SEPTA, to beef up security in Philadelphia, Ramsey said. PATCO spokesman Ed Kasuba said additional officers have been deployed to train stations and parking lots.
"The possibility of retaliation exists," said Charles B. McKenna, director of the New Jersey State Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness.
Threat levels at the Pennsylvania Office of Homeland Security remained normal, and Pennsylvania State Police did not implement additional measures.
For agencies like the Upper Merion Police Department, which patrols the King of Prussia Mall, Monday was like any other day.
"The mall's always been very well protected," Upper Merion Capt. John Hellebush said. "I think everyone in the country has been reminded that we have to be extra vigilant in coming weeks."
Contact staff writer Allison Steele at 215-854-2641 or asteele@phillynews.com.
Staff writers Barbara Boyer and Jeremy Roebuck contributed to this article.
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