John Ashcroft in The Test of our Times

On Homeland Security: Introduced 5-color terror alert system in 2002

We introduced the Homeland Security Advisory System, later called the "terror alert system," in 2002. We settled on five levels represented by five colors: green (low risk), blue (general risk), yellow (significant risk), orange (high risk), & red (sever risk). In each case, specific measures were to be taken at airports and public facilities. But we couldn't agree on where we were, colorwise, on the day we introduced the system. Ashcroft campaigned to open with orange, arguing that we were under siege. Source: The Test of our Times, by Tom Ridge, p. 99-100 Sep 1, 2009

On Homeland Security: 2003: Be on the lookout for "Azzam the American"

On Memorial Day 2003, there was nothing new to report. I noted the same level of intelligence traffic, but concluded there was nothing that would require us to raise the threat level.

Later that afternoon, Ashcroft had a far different message. He went to the airwaves to ask Americans to be on the lookout for Adam Yahiy Gadahn. Born Adam Pearlman, he appeared on a number of Al Qaeda videos, and was identified on these as "Azzam the American." He was subsequently charged in this country with treason.

But Ashcroft's warning that a plot that Gadahn and others were involved in--by Ashcroft's estimation, 90% done--a massive attack on the US, seemed to us at DHS to be overstated, to put it charitably.

I was told by the president bluntly that I had undermined Ashcroft. I was reminded that counterterrorism is one of the administration's highest priorities, and that a unified front ad to be presented. The Department of Justice was unapologetic about playing offense. DHS played defense. Advantage DOJ.

Source: The Test of our Times, by Tom Ridge, p.228-229 Sep 1, 2009

The above quotations are from The Test of our Times: America Under Siege...And How We Can Be Safe Again, by Gov. Tom Ridge. Click here for other excerpts from The Test of our Times: America Under Siege...And How We Can Be Safe Again, by Gov. Tom Ridge. Click here for other excerpts by John Ashcroft. Click here for a profile of John Ashcroft.
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