Texas Governor Won't Add to Airport Security

Assured that Texas airports are secure, Gov. Rick Perry has no plans to deploy National Guard troops to assist with airport security.

The announcement came after the governors of California and Massachusetts ordered Guard troops and additional state law enforcement resources to be stationed at key airports after reports of a thwarted terror plot in Britain that targeted as many as nine U.S.-bound flights.

"The governor has not deployed the National Guard, but that option remains if airports need the National Guard to assist," spokeswoman Kathy Walt said. "It's always an option. But at this time, airports aren't seeking additional help."

Earlier Thursday, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger activated Guard troops to assist with security at an undisclosed number of airports.

In Massachusetts, Gov. Mitt Romney announced that he would send hundreds of troops to Boston's Logan International Airport for the first time since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, to bolster security.

In a prepared statement, Perry said his decision came after Texas officials consulted with security chiefs at more than 30 airports and were assured that no additional state assistance was needed.

Perry said he also had talked to the heads of Texas-based American and Continental airlines, which were both targeted in the plot, "and offered the state's assistance if needed."

"We remain in close contact with the (U.S.) Department of Homeland Security and the FBI regarding this foiled plot and the security implications to the state," Perry said.

"We face a persistent enemy that will continue the effort to destroy our way of life. That means all Texans must be vigilant and all Texans can know that state government is taking these threats very seriously and taking numerous precautions - some seen, others not - to keep them safe."

Texas officials were alerted to the terror plot, and the changes in airport security rules, in a telephone briefing of state officials by top Homeland Security officials in Washington late Wednesday.

Steve McCraw, Texas' homeland security director, said he immediately alerted Perry and other top aides and activated the state's Emergency Management Center.

"This affects only commercial airlines and chartered jets," McCraw said, noting the heightened alert status would cover tens of thousands of daily travelers in Texas. "We wanted to make (sure) all the resources were in place. . . . They are."

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