Suicide Bombers

As routinely indicated in news reports from the Middle East, suicide bombings remain a preferred method of attack by extremists and we should be aware of the possibility of such attacks in the United States. Suicide bombings utilize either a person or a vehicle to deliver the explosive device(s), with murder as the primary objective. Note that on May 21, 2004, NYPD and Port Authority police began checking trucks entering New York City via bridges and tunnels. They also will check trucks already in the city if they appear suspicious.

There is no clearly defined profile of a suicide bomber; the individual can be a man, woman, or older child. The following indicators, especially when more than one indicator is observed, can possibly denote a suicide bomber:

• Wearing inappropriate (loose or bulky) clothing that is inconsistent with current weather conditions 
• Protruding bulges or exposed wires under clothing (possible through the sleeve) 
• Strange chemical odors 
• Sweating, mumbling prayers, or unusually calm and detached behavior 
• Attempting to gain a position near crowds or VIPs 
• Tightened hands (may hold detonation device)

Wearing disguises such as military, medic, firefighter, or police uniforms or posing as a pregnant woman or member of the clergy to elude detect.