WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 (UPI) -- The White House said Friday the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina was not diverting attention away from the threat of terror attacks on the United States.
While many government officials were involved in hurricane relief efforts, others were still concentrating on potential terrorist threats, spokesman Scott McClellan said.
"It's something we are very much focused on. The president earlier this week held a National Security Council and Homeland Security meeting to make sure that we are staying fully on top of our counter-terrorism efforts. And there are people that are staying on top of those issues," he said.
"I don't have any update for you from an intelligence standpoint. Obviously, any potential threat that we learn about, we take very seriously.
"... It's something that we continue to stay focused on. There are people who focus on that area round-the-clock, and we are going to make sure that we stay on top of counter-terrorism priorities, as well," he said.
Saturday marks the fourth anniversary of al-Qaida's attacks on the United States which claimed nearly 3,000 lives.
McClellan said one reason the government will investigate how government at all levels - local and state as well as federal - initially responded to Hurricane Katrina was to learn lessons nor only for future natural disasters, but also lessons that could be used in case of a terrorist chemical or biological attack.
