FBI: School buses safe from terrorists

WASHINGTON, March 17 (UPI) -- The FBI says U.S. school buses are safe despite a federal bulletin indicating individuals with ties to extremist groups have obtained buses and licenses.

FBI spokesman Richard Kolko told Saturday's Washington Times parents and children should feel safe.

"There is no threat, there is no plot," Kolko told the newspaper. "They have nothing to fear."

He said the agency had no reason to conclude "there is any reason for concern."

The bulletin was part of an FBI and Department of Homeland Security program to update law enforcement agencies nationwide about possible terrorist scenarios. He called it an educational tool to help local police identify and respond to suspicious activity.

The bulletin said foreigners under recent investigation, including "some with ties to extremist groups," have been able to "purchase buses and acquire licenses," the newspaper reported. The bulletin also noted the FBI and Homeland Security had "no information" indicating foreign nationals were involved in a terrorist plot.

It also said most attempts by foreign nationals in the United States to acquire school bus licenses to drive them "are legitimate."