In the run-up to the elections. From AP, :
WASHINGTON Oct 30, 2004 “” Acting on the release of a new videotape from Osama bin Laden, the government has alerted state and local authorities to be extra vigilant ahead of Tuesday’s elections.
The bulletin said the bin Laden tape and a second video from last week that showed a self-proclaimed American member of al-Qaida are “clearly intended to influence and instill fear in the American people.”
“We remain concerned about al-Qaida’s interest in attacking the American homeland, and we cannot discount the possibility that the video may be intended to promote violence or serve as a signal for an attack,” according to the bulletin sent late Friday from the FBI and the Homeland Security Department.
It went to homeland security advisers, state and local police and select members of private industry.