The Republic National Convention presents an opportune occasion for a low risk high reward attack by various potential actors. Consequently, several symbolic targets within the vicinity of American Airlines Arena could provide attackers with ample media coverage, as well as the potential for significant loss of civilian lives. Clearly, the big terrorist organizational players like al Qaida are of concern, there are cell factions, lone wolves, and large protests expected near the convention. The following are my recommendations in rank order, the risks that are associated with the RDNC convention scheduled at American Airlines Arena in Miami Florida.
American Airlines Arena will be the location of convention activities and has protection of a perimeter fence, and a water exclusion zone. The weakest link is going to be the 500 vehicle-parking garage located directly under the Arena. It is monitored by a single security guard, and the potential for a vehicle born explosive is reasonable. Additionally, the Aryan Nation group as indicated an interest in attack the facility with the use of a vehicle born explosive. The likelihood for attack is low due to the perimeter fence, water exclusion zone, and no fly zone, although the consequences of an attack in this location are high, as it would be the most symbolic of all location to be attacked. Hotel row, located directly across from American Airlines Area will host all of the delegates attending the convention, as well as 500+ reporters that will be covering the weeklong events. This location will have an EMT team and a fire truck on station 24 hours a day but no actual security stationed in this location. This is concerning as there is an unmanned rail system that will travel directly from the Arena through Hotel Row. The likelihood of attack is high, and the consequences of an attack in this location are high as well. Additionally, with the media coverage in this location the symbolic value of this particular target is substantial. Bicentennial Park aka “The First Amendment Zone is located across a 300-foot wide deep water buffer that is inside the exclusion zone. Additionally, it is fenced off from the Arena making it difficult for anyone in the location to gain access to the convention. There is expected to be 20,000 protesters in this location. While most of these protesters are expected to be peaceful, the “Black Bloc” group, known for violent protests and the use of dangerous and deadly weapons are expected. Additionally, FIU student James Jones is known to have sympathy with Hamas. He was recently arrested and found in possession of pipe bombs and other bomb making material. He is currently free, and likely to be present at this event. The likelihood of some form of violence at Bicentennial Park is high, although the consequences are moderate, as any attack from this vantage point will not likely affect any portion of the conference. Additionally, any form of attack is expected to be small scale resulting in limited injuries or fatalities to other protesters. The I-395 Bridge, which connects the beach area with the main downtown corridor is a potential location that may cause serious traffic issues. …show more content…
It is commonly congested during traffic accidents, and could easily be disrupted by a lone actor. Additionally, a majority of the bridge is located outside the exclusion zone, and could reasonably be at risk of attack to its support structures. The bridge is also located next to Bicentennial Park; protesters could conceivably attack the bridge with little effort or expense. The likelihood of an event here is high, and its consequences if it were attacked are moderate. Due to the number of people that could be stranded on the bridge if it were attacked and the potential for a limited escape route recommend extending the water exclusion zone to include the bridge support sections. The Port of Miami is a heavy commercial cargo ship port located near American Airlines Arena. Recent probes in the security of the port has indicated an apparent weakness in its ability to accurate detect unauthorized access. Additionally, only 5-10% of the containerized cargo is inspected upon entry, increasing the ability of a dirty bomb making its way into the port and being detonated remotely. Access to the port is located
American Airlines Arena will be the location of convention activities and has protection of a perimeter fence, and a water exclusion zone. The weakest link is going to be the 500 vehicle-parking garage located directly under the Arena. It is monitored by a single security guard, and the potential for a vehicle born explosive is reasonable. Additionally, the Aryan Nation group as indicated an interest in attack the facility with the use of a vehicle born explosive. The likelihood for attack is low due to the perimeter fence, water exclusion zone, and no fly zone, although the consequences of an attack in this location are high, as it would be the most symbolic of all location to be attacked. Hotel row, located directly across from American Airlines Area will host all of the delegates attending the convention, as well as 500+ reporters that will be covering the weeklong events. This location will have an EMT team and a fire truck on station 24 hours a day but no actual security stationed in this location. This is concerning as there is an unmanned rail system that will travel directly from the Arena through Hotel Row. The likelihood of attack is high, and the consequences of an attack in this location are high as well. Additionally, with the media coverage in this location the symbolic value of this particular target is substantial. Bicentennial Park aka “The First Amendment Zone is located across a 300-foot wide deep water buffer that is inside the exclusion zone. Additionally, it is fenced off from the Arena making it difficult for anyone in the location to gain access to the convention. There is expected to be 20,000 protesters in this location. While most of these protesters are expected to be peaceful, the “Black Bloc” group, known for violent protests and the use of dangerous and deadly weapons are expected. Additionally, FIU student James Jones is known to have sympathy with Hamas. He was recently arrested and found in possession of pipe bombs and other bomb making material. He is currently free, and likely to be present at this event. The likelihood of some form of violence at Bicentennial Park is high, although the consequences are moderate, as any attack from this vantage point will not likely affect any portion of the conference. Additionally, any form of attack is expected to be small scale resulting in limited injuries or fatalities to other protesters. The I-395 Bridge, which connects the beach area with the main downtown corridor is a potential location that may cause serious traffic issues. …show more content…
It is commonly congested during traffic accidents, and could easily be disrupted by a lone actor. Additionally, a majority of the bridge is located outside the exclusion zone, and could reasonably be at risk of attack to its support structures. The bridge is also located next to Bicentennial Park; protesters could conceivably attack the bridge with little effort or expense. The likelihood of an event here is high, and its consequences if it were attacked are moderate. Due to the number of people that could be stranded on the bridge if it were attacked and the potential for a limited escape route recommend extending the water exclusion zone to include the bridge support sections. The Port of Miami is a heavy commercial cargo ship port located near American Airlines Arena. Recent probes in the security of the port has indicated an apparent weakness in its ability to accurate detect unauthorized access. Additionally, only 5-10% of the containerized cargo is inspected upon entry, increasing the ability of a dirty bomb making its way into the port and being detonated remotely. Access to the port is located