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Gov. Pawlenty reassures Minnesotans about security
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Gov. Tim Pawlenty sought to reassure Minnesotans Thursday that state officials are vigilant in the wake of the London bombings. "As a country, as a nation, as civilized societies around the globe, we will stand against terrorism," he said. (MPR Photo/Art Hughes)
Minnesota authorities tightened security at transit points Thursday following the bombings in London. Public safety officials are urging extra vigilance, while also reassuring residents that no specific threats exist for the state or the rest of the country.

St. Paul, Minn. — Officials tried to strike a balance between consolation for an anxious public and raising the alarm.

Gov. Pawlenty condemned the violence, saying the terrorists are wielding weapons against innocent people to further their "sick agenda."

"We aren't going to stand for it. As a country, as a nation, as civilized societies around the globe," said Pawlenty. "One part of that is to make sure we keep our guard up in an appropriate manner."

Pawlenty says Minnesotans should not assume a lesser concern for terrorism.

"If you look at the number of prosecutions of terrorism-related individuals or terrorism-related prosecutions in the United States since 9/11, on a per-capita basis or a proportional basis, Minnesota is very high in those kinds of prosecutions," said Pawlenty. "So we've had our share and more of terrorism concerns in the Minneapolis and St. Paul and Minnesota area."

At the same time, Pawlenty encouraged people to not change plans and to go about their daily lives, only with extra vigilance. He says various security officials will increase their visibility in transit locations as a result of the nation's elevated alert level.

"I don't think it's the kind of activity people are going to look at and be fearful of. I think they'll be appreciative of it to see there is enhanced vigilance," said Pawlenty.

As with past perceived terrorist threats, officials are enlisting the public's help to keep watch. State Public Safety Commissioner Michael Campion says citizens should not let down their guard.

"Constantly be vigilant, constantly be alert. This is a reminder that complacency is probably our biggest enemy or our biggest fear," said Campion. "People get complacent, they aren't as vigilant, they aren't as alert as they generally would be."

Campion participated in a conference call with homeland security officials around the country. He says access to accurate and timely information is the most important thing during moments of high security.

His office is also in touch with the FBI and local law enforcement officials in the metropolitan area.

"Increased activity includes additional patrol officers, additional presence of police officers, additional presence of specifically trained dogs and very well may include some increased weaponry," said Campion.

The increased threat level specifically relates to transit locations. The London subway and a double-decker bus were the targets for the rush-hour London bombings.

In Minneapolis, officers with bomb-sniffing dogs patrolled platforms and rail cars on the Hiawatha light rail line and the outsides of transit buses. Workers also removed trash cans from light rail stops.

Bloomington police and Mall of America security increased patrols. Throughout the day, the state's homeland security Web site continued to show the lower yellow alert level and mentioned nothing about additional security efforts.

Federal authorities have not said when they might lower the country's alert status from orange to yellow.

Likewise, state officials can't say how long their efforts at heightened vigilance will last.

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