Government officials warn of retaliation by al-Qaeda for Osama bin Laden’s death. But, Montgomery County Community College instructor Benn Prybutok said, “Be aware, but don’t fear.”

Prybutok is MCCC’s director of the criminal justice program, and teaches terrorism, counterterrorism and homeland security courses.  He said Montgomery County has the same type of terrorist targets as urban areas.

Public places where large numbers of people congregate, and have easy ways to enter and exit the facilities, are targets for al-Qaeda. They include shopping malls, hospitals, places of worship, schools and colleges, and mass transit.

Prybutok urged citizens to be watchful, but not paranoid.

“If you see unusual behaviors for a setting and your brain is telling you something isn’t right, report it, and tell others around you,” he said.

He likes New York Metropolitan Transit Authority’s post 9/11 slogan:  “If you see it, say it.”  

The aim of al-Qaeda is to “maximize death and destruction—killing and maiming the largest number of people possible,” Prybutok said.

The worldwide terrorist network comprises small groups being urged by al-Qaeda leaders via Internet videos to carry out violent acts without waiting for an orchestrated, massive attack, Prybutok said.

Despite bin Laden being gunned down, Prybutok said, “I’m leaving the celebrating to others; the death of Osama doesn’t change things.”

Citizens should be “situationally aware” of their surroundings.  Prybutok said it is more likely for people to see “precursors” to terrorism than a terrorist act.  Precursors include ways to “case” a place:

• Photographing buildings, especially entrances and exits
• Photographing traffic barriers
• Taking great interest in security cameras, and building entrances and exits
• Asking about building security
• Breaking through a security checkpoint of a building and running away.

Prybutok says nine out of 10 instances reported may not be related to terrorism, but urges citizens “not overanalyze things.” Let law enforcement officers investigate and decide if the concern requires action. 

Last summer in Berlin, Prybutok saw two women outside his hotel being unusually interested in the hotel’s entrance beneath the portico and its traffic barriers.  He alerted police. 

Other signs to look for, report, and warn those nearby about include a person:

• Being unusually nervous, given the context of the setting
• Walking backwards—it may be a sign of rethinking what one may do
• Throwing car keys or a cell phone away or down a storm sewer
• Releasing liquids
• Setting down a package, briefcase or suitcase, and leaving it.

Smelling acetone may be a tip off that an explosive is close by. Acetone smells like nail polish remover and airplane glue. 

In any of these cases mentioned above, Prybutok said to remain calm.

“The way you react will influence the way others react. Matter-of-factly suggest that what is seen or smelled may be dangerous, and tell others to move away from it, and that you will report it.” he said.

Prybutok added, “Moving even 10 feet away from a device could be the difference between life and death.

“The world is not a terribly dangerous place, even for Americans traveling. Just be aware, and don’t fear."