On Tuesday, the federal government increased the nation's terror alert warning to code orange -- its second highest level -- signaling a high risk of attack coinciding with the Sept. 11 anniversary. The government increased security at federal buildings and monuments and closed some U.S. embassies.
Federal officials said Tuesday that they received information that such attacks might be intended to coincide with the one-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks.
With numerous events taking place on UNC's campus all day to observe the Sept. 11 anniversary, University police will be working under increased alert.
Jeff McCracken, deputy director of the Department of Public Safety, declined to discuss any specifics.
"I think our level of awareness is heightened, especially since the terrorist attacks have occurred, and that shouldn't be any different (today)," McCracken said.
But University police do understand the implications in the federal government's Tuesday move, McCracken said. "We obviously have taken note in the change of the nation's alert status."
Code orange calls for government officials to take extra precaution at public events, including moving or canceling them if necessary.
The orange level, which reflects a "high risk of terrorist attacks," is one step below the top red, or "severe risk." The level had been at yellow, in the middle of the five-color scale, for most of the summer.
McCracken would not say if there will be an increased number of University police on campus today for the numerous events occurring, such as the noon convocation in Polk Place.
