NE Ohio "ramps up" intelligence gathering after bin Laden death

CLEVELAND - A Northeast Ohio terrorism expert said intelligence gathering operations will increase in the Cleveland area as a result of Osama bin Laden's death. 

"It's not over," said John Hatzadony, a former U.S. Department of Homeland Security intelligence analyst and professor of security policy studies at Notre Dame College.

He expects intelligence forces in the area to ramp up operations during the next six to eight months. He said analysts will look for any signs Al Qaeda or other terrorists are planning retaliatory attacks against the U.S.

Hatzadony said Cleveland's location between Detroit and New York City makes a popular transit area for terrorists attempting to evade detection or travel between the two cities.

"It may not be the end, it just may be the end of the beginning. Al Qaeda is still out there," said Hatzadony during an interview with NewsChannel5 investigator Sarah Buduson Monday.

Mary McCahon, a spokesperson for the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority,  said the authority will be increase security until further notice. Riders should expect to see more officers patrolling the areas around the bus stops. RTA is also adding more undercover officers on the buses and at the stops.

Otherwise,  few security changes took place a result of bin Laden's death around Northeast Ohio Monday.

Cleveland and Cuyahoga County officials, area nuclear plants and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport made no changes to their security policies or procedures Monday.

The Department of Homeland Security had issued a statement  saying local entitiies did not need to increase security measures because there is currently no credible evidence of any imminent threat against them.

NewsChannel5 investigator Sarah Buduson has been investigating terrorist activity along the Great Lakes and the NE Ohio border for months. In a story airing May 20, we'll expose some of the dangers lurking in our backyard.

Keep checking newsnet5.com for more information.