For Immediate ReleaseOffice of the Press SecretaryContact: 202-282-8010November 10, 2004

Today, the Department of Homeland Security announced that the U.S. governmenthas lowered the threat level for the financial services sector in New York City,Northern New Jersey and Washington, D.C. from high or Code Orange toelevated or Code Yellow. Since the threat level was raised on August 1,2004 state and local leaders as well as the private sector have worked hard tostrengthen security in and around specific buildings and locations as well asthroughout the financial services sector. Today there are permanent protectivemeasures in place that did not exist before August 1. These new measures includeincreased security at the affected buildings, enhanced screening measures,increased perimeter protection and the development of security buffer zoneprotection plans. The financial services sector as also taken additional stepsto strengthen emergency preparedness and response by improving communicationssystems and protocols between and among financial regulators and criticalfinancial institutions; assessing and reviewing business continuity plans; andparticipating in numerous drills and exercises to test backup systems andprepare financial professionals.  

Although the threat level is being lowered for the financial services sectorin these three cities, the country remains at an elevated risk for terroristattack.  The United States Government will continue on a daily basis tomonitor and analyze threat information and share that information, together withappropriate protective measures, with state, local and private sectorauthorities as well as the general public as part of the ongoing national effortto prevent terrorist attacks and protect the country.