Concerns raised over al-Qaida cell remarks by Tulsa's Police Chief

Tulsa Police Chief Dave Been is trying to clear the air after a speech he made Wednesday to a local Rotary Club. <br/><br/>There are reports he said there are al-Qaida cells in Tulsa, but he tells the

Thursday, December 2nd 2004, 10:07 am

By: News On 6

Tulsa Police Chief Dave Been is trying to clear the air after a speech he made Wednesday to a local Rotary Club.

There are reports he said there are al-Qaida cells in Tulsa, but he tells the News on 6 that is not true. Chief Been told News on 6 crime reporter Lori Fullbright that he did not specifically say al-Qaida cells were in Tulsa.

Been said he told the audience that while most people think of terrorists on the East Coast, we'd be naive to think there isnâ€™t support for these groups, especially financially, in the Midwest as well.

He says his remarks were part of a standard Homeland Security speech he gives to many civics groups and is surprised this time it's getting so much attention.

FBI Special Agent Gary Johnson says their agency is pleased with Chief Been and the TPD's constant vigilance and their dedication to the Joint Terrorism Task Force. The FBI says it agrees with Chief Been that even in Oklahoma, we need to always be on our guard.
They said we should always be on the lookout for suspicious activity and report anything out of the ordinary.