According to authorities, a terrorist attack came close to being carried out in Tampa during the weekend of Jan. 7th.
Sami Osmakac, 25, from Pinellas Park, allegedly planned to place a car bomb in Ybor City and separately bomb MacDinton’s Irish Pub and Restaurant in South Tampa.
He wanted to execute the attacks in locations here he knew that there would be a lot of people.
Osmakac has been charged with attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction. According to Tampa Bay Online, law enforcement took him into custody after an FBI sting operation in which Osmakac tried to buy explosives, grenades, Uzis and an AK-47.
This latest plot, coupled with last semester’s high-profile shooting and campus lockdown at Virginia Tech, has placed a spotlight on the importance of campus-wide preparation and readiness in the event of terrorism or another emergency situation.
At this point, Kevin A. Howell, director of campus safety, confirmed, “The campus security does not have specific terrorist attack [response] plans or instructions if something were to occur.”
According to Howell, the plans in place are not geared specifically for terrorist attacks. “Our plans are more designed as an all-hazards response to events,” Howell said. “We have a plan in place for a weather-related incident as well as others that are in the realm of ‘attacks.’”
Howell stated that readiness for a terrorist attack should involve a unified response involving other local law enforcement and area fire and rescue personnel.
While specific details for a plan cannot be explained due to safety reasons, Howell said it would certainly follow the rules and regulations of well-known organizations that have instituted policies on terrorism response. He specifically referred to FEMA’s NIMS (National Incident Management System) and ICS (Incident Command System).
Howell said campus safety also has trained personnel ready to act in the event of a terrorist attack.
“Our relationship with Tampa PD, Tampa Fire, Hillsborough County SO and federal partners are strong,” he said, “and representatives from all areas are very familiar with the university and its commitment to the safety of everyone in our community.”
Yasaman Sherbaf can be reached at ysherbaf@spartans.ut.edu.