The statement, aired on Good Morning America this morning by a self-avowed terrorist, should come as no surprise to anyone.  The statement was meant to instill fear, and fear is the most potent weapon the terrorists possess.  Bombastic pronouncements are expected on the eve of terrorist incidents like September 11th, but we cannot let such pronouncements alter our lifestyles.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Chief of Police William J. Bratton have discussed the aired statement with the FBI and Department of Homeland Security, and in spite of the pronouncements, there is NO known specific, credible threat to Los Angeles.

We have long known that Los Angeles is a target of terrorism.  We knew that in 1999 when the millennium bomber was arrested at the Canadian border with plans to bomb LAX.  And as recently as one month ago, four local residents were indicted for planning attacks on Los Angeles military sites and Jewish synagogues.  This investigation was thwarted by local law enforcement, which continues to work together in a joint terrorism task force with federal and state agencies.

LAPD's emphasis remains on detecting and preventing terrorist plots.  

On the anniversary of September 11th, the best thing any Angeleno can do is go about his or her daily life as you normally would, and report any suspicious activities to the LAPD's special terror hotline number, 1-877-A-THREAT.