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Charlotte Amalie
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesEMERGENCY PERSONNEL ON ALERT, GOVERNOR SAYS

EMERGENCY PERSONNEL ON ALERT, GOVERNOR SAYS

Sept. 11, 2001 – Gov. Charles W. Turnbull said Tuesday afternoon that the territory's emergency workers were on red alert in the aftermath of terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, D.C.
"This is like war, and we've got to act that way," he said, equating Tuesday's attacks with the bombing of Pearl Harbor. "This is a day that will also live in infamy."
At a press conference Tuesday afternoon, Turnbull said security has been tightened at the Hovensa oil refinery on St. Croix, at both airports, at the cruise ship docks, at Water and Power Authority facilities and at other key spots.
The Cyril E. King and Henry E. Rohlsen Airports closed after the Federal Aviation Administration grounded all domestic flights. The Territorial Court facilities were closed around noon as a security measure.
Virgin Islands Adjutant General Cleave McBean said all National Guard members were on alert but none had been called to active duty.
Later Tuesday, Turnbull ordered that all flags outside government buildings be flown at half staff until further notice, "in observance of the innocent lives lost as a result of the tragic, catastrophic terrorist attacks."

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