Media Center room, 8:30 - 10:00 PM EST, 12/3/99. (Additional communication occurred between the COMM Officer and PIO privately.) Suzanne Boccia: Suzanne Boccia, Channel 5 Action News, we've heard there's an apartment fire downtown. ron davison: Cheryl, I can't seem to respond Cheryl Poage: Suzanne, so far I have no news I will check on it and get back to you. COMM Libbi Reed: EVENT -- One of the reporters present announces that his TV station just received a call from an individual identifying himself as the "Horseman of the Apocalypse" claiming responsibility for setting off a bomb at 7:00 AM. Bruce Chew: Channel 10 News, Do you know where the bomb has exploded? Cheryl Poage: Bruce I am checking for info. ron davison: Cheryl, I would suggest touching base with EOC/IC to determine if the bomb is a rumor... Cheryl Poage: Ron, can you continue info request with Libbi to EOC or IC? ron davison: Also, if it turns out to be the case, we may want to notify FBI ron davison: Libbi, please forward a request to the EOC to provide the media center with a current status update COMM Libbi Reed: Ok Ron. Hank Salzmann: ? Bruce Chew: Has this "Horseman of the Apocalypse" ever contact the PD or made threats in the past? Cheryl Poage: Go ahead Hank Kirby Felts: Channel Five Chopper here, our visuals are showing massive damage and many injured people. There does not seem to be city personnel responding. What's up? Hank Salzmann: I just heard there was an explosion any information yet ron davison: Libby, Also, inform them that there is a rumor that the incident may have resulted from a bomb and see if they can check with IC to determine validity of rumor Cheryl Poage: We still have no info , we are trying to get in touch with IC COMM Libbi Reed: 10-4. Ron. ron davison: Cheryl, do we want to designate a specific time when we can debrief/update the media? ron davison: As a means of providing consistent messages at one time blaise carr: check with police dispatch and see if they have received any calls on this COMM Libbi Reed: Requests submitted....awaiting responses. Cheryl Poage: Ron, please follow up on Blaise request. Kirby Felts: Channel 10 chopper -- we're going live with our shots - - Boccia reporting live from the scene... ron davison: Libby, please request from EOC/IC to provide update based on police dispatches Hank Salzmann: Can you give us the exact location ron davison: Libby, also can we get an approximate time for the next situation report from the EOC Cheryl Poage: Kirby, we still have no information at the MC, not unusual but frustrating. COMM Libbi Reed: Requests submitted. Kirby Felts: Thanks Cheryl. We're still going live with our shot. Let us know ASAP when you have a report. Cheryl Poage: We will monitor your coverage as well. Cheryl Poage: Libbi please confirm with EOC or IC for release. Cheryl Poage: Libbi, can you confirm time and place. COMM Libbi Reed: All requests have been submitted, no responses yet. Suzanne Boccia: Channel Five Action News here, I'm interviewing many injured people. Many report smelling natural gas just before the explosion. Cheryl: Who is the official in charge that I can talk to about this? Cheryl Poage: Suzanne, I will request contact with the Fire Chief. Bruce Chew: Why are we not getting any information, has the city's EMA system someway been effected by this terrorist attack? ron davison: Libby, can you contact the EOC and see if they can identify a person from the gas company that can provide information. Is there anyone from the gas company at the scene/IC? Cheryl Poage: Bruce, I am not sure, we have submitted Hank Salzmann: Is there any report of fatalities? COMM Libbi Reed: 10-4 Ron will request Suzanne Boccia: I need to talk to the fire chief. Is he on-scene? COMM Libbi Reed: Requests for gas company representative have been sent. Awaiting response. ron davison: Libby, we need an update/sitrep immediately to help quell potential rumors. Please have the EOC provide an update ASAP Cheryl Poage: Suzanne, we are trying to get contact as well as information with anyone on scene or the EOC. So far we have not been informed that the EOC has been activated. Cheryl Poage: Libbi, do we have any way to get info? ron davison: Initial reports from the COMM Director in EOC is that there are no fatalities at this time Bruce Chew: Has the mayor's office been advised of the situation and has there been a response from the mayor or her staff? Cheryl Poage: The mayor has issued an announcement that he will give a press conference in approx. 45 min. Suzanne Boccia: Have there been additional threats from the Horseman? Bruce Chew: Can you confirm is this a bombing or natural gas accident, resulting from a Y2K problem? Hank Salzmann: How soon will we be allowed to the scene? COMM Libbi Reed: EVENT -- A report has just aired on the radio that the gas was going to be shut off to the entire city. The Communication Center and the local news are beginning to get panicky calls asking whether Y2K was beginning. Bruce Chew: With these reports of major utility interruptions, should people begin to evacuating the city? Cheryl Poage: Libbi, are we on the wrong communication path here, we are not getting any official info. Hank Salzmann: Where have the victims been taken to? Cheryl Poage: Libbi please respond Bruce Chew: Has the "Horseman" set off other bombs, that are now effecting the city services COMM Libbi Reed: No Cheryl.....awaiting answers to all questions. Kirby Felts: Has there been any further communication from the Horseman of the Apocalypse? Our researchers have uncovered information that this group is an off-shoot of a Montana Militia group called Apocalypse 2000. They have threatened a campaign of domestic terrorism across the country today. Cheryl Poage: Bruce, the only new info that I have is that the mayor will come on in 30 min. Cheryl Poage: Kirby, I can not confirm. Hank Salzmann: Has the city taken any precautions at the Electrical distribution Center? ron davison: Libby: we are still waiting for any official information Bruce Chew: Are evacuations going to be ordered, the city will freeze without gas service! Mike Warner: Associated Press :: We Would Like To Know The Situation Here. Where Can We Set Up Our Trucks?? Cheryl Poage: Libbi if we are to communicate through to the other rooms, what else can be done? COMM Libbi Reed: I understand Ron....you have gotten all responses that have been sent. No other requests have been responded to. Hank Salzmann: What about the Water Company? ron davison: Cheryl, I am going to walk upstairs to the EOC to see if I can obtain some information. may I suggest that we ask the media to hold off their questions until the Mayor's press announcement in 25 minutes, and that we will answer their questions at that time? Suzanne Boccia: Do we have a preliminary report yet from the EOC? Cheryl Poage: Hank, we still can not get any info. Cheryl Poage: Media Release, the MC is still unable to get any info with the exception of a press conference to be held by the mayor in 20 min. We will release any info we get ASAP. Cheryl Poage: Please keep your questions coming in. Kirby Felts: FYI, I have a call into the local FBI office regarding Apocalypse 2000. An FBI representative will be joining us in one hour to respond to our questions about the terrorist group Mike Warner: How many are fatalities? how many injured ? Where are the injured being taken? Has the National Guard been activated yet? Bruce Chew: Is there any reason know, why this building was targeted by Apocalypse 2000, have you had reports of any other similar incidents in the region? Cheryl Poage: The MC will issue info releases every 10 min. whether there is anything new or not, this way you will know what we know. Bruce Chew: Is there a concern about biological or other chemical weapons being used? Kirby Felts: Is there a search and rescue operation going on? Have we called in the dogs? Mike Warner: Has the Governor been advised. How many other buildings have been targeted.? Have you received any other Threats? ron davison: Libby, can we get an update as to whether there is any indication of terrorism and whether there are any chembio threats or concerns from the EOC? Bruce Chew: Has PA-TF-1 being activated? Is the State EMA getting involved? COMM Libbi Reed: Will request that information. ron davison: Cheryl, I do not believe that at this time PA-TF-1 or the State EMA is involved? Libby, can you confirm this with the EOC/Mayor's Office COMM Libbi Reed: 911 center is getting calls from neighbors asking if they should leave homes Suzanne Boccia: Action 5 news, we just received word from our affiliates that Apocalypse 2000 has claimed responsibility for numerous other explosions this morning, including bombs in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami. Kirby Felts: CNN just lead with that story... Cheryl Poage: Thank you Suzanne. ron davison: Libby, we need info from the IC to determine if there are threats to nearby residents so we can issue a press release if evacuations are required? Bruce Chew: Any word on the gas service interruption, reported earlier, are evacuations going to be started? Kirby Felts: Let's focus on our local issues now. The public is looking for some answers. Are they at risk? Should people evacuate? Where can they go to find out about friends and family? Hank Salzmann: Are The Police covering any other buildings in the city? Cheryl Poage: Kirby, you are right; however, we have not access to the IC or the EOC and have not received any info. Cheryl Poage: Libbi are they coming into the MC? COMM Libbi Reed: Will ask. Bruce Chew: With the lack of public information, are the police preparing for looting and riots, is the national guard being called for assistance? COMM Libbi Reed: Reporters, please remember every question you ask has to be retyped, sent to another room, sent to person to answer, and response sent back. This takes a little time, ok? Bruce Chew: Cheryl, how long until the Mayor's press conference? Cheryl Poage: Info Release, we have been notified that the Mayor and staff are preparing for a briefing, please stand by! Mayor Comfort: Hello press staff! Kirby Felts: Hello Mayor Cheryl Poage: Hello your Honor, do you have detailed info to release? Mayor Comfort: I will give you a brief update on the situation. Events are developing quickly. Information is still coming in. Cheryl Poage: Please proceed. Steve Charvat: and I will supplement the Mayors information and be available for questions Mayor Comfort: As of this moment, there are no reported fatalities. Cheryl Poage: Mayor, can you discuss other details of the incident? Mayor Comfort: We have police and fire units on scene. The gas company has reported a shutdown. We are preparing to evacuate the residents. Steve Charvat: Mayor, perhaps the Media would like to hear about your recent Declaration of Emergency Cheryl Poage: Can you release the relocation centers' locations? Mayor Comfort: So far, we are still waiting for details. We have no confirmed reports of the cause of the explosion. Kirby Felts: Is there any word on residents of the building that was bombed? Steve Charvat: yes..they are all elderly Kirby Felts: So there was a bomb Mayor Comfort: Given the severity of risk to elderly patients and the multiple demands on public service personnel. Bruce Chew: What are the area that will be effected by the evacuation/ Steve Charvat: Mayor..would you like to answer that one, or should I? Mayor Comfort: I have issued a declaration of emergency to request assistance from Allegheny County. Mayor Comfort: Steve, you take that question. Steve Charvat: we have taken a precautionary step of evacuating a 6- block radius from the explosion..... and I would to re-emphasize..we have NOT confirmed the source of the explosion was a bomb Mayor Comfort: We have a map of the area. We can show the area. Bruce Chew: We've heard reports of other bombing around the country by the same group, way was this building a target? Fletchers: Where can a contractor hook up with procurement agent to offer assistance? Steve Charvat: preliminary field interviews indicate a natural gas explosion.. Suzanne Boccia: Is there investigation into this as a possible terrorist incident? Steve Charvat: Fletchers... we would suggest that you head to the EOC and locate the logistics officer to offer your assistance.. Mayor Comfort: That is always a possibility. We will explore that, with other alternatives. ron davison: Hi Mayor, thank you for coming down on such short notice Mayor Comfort: Thank you. ron davison: There have been a few other questions asked and I was wondering if we could get an update. ron davison: Is there any indication of chembio agents? Mayor Comfort: What were the questions? Kirby Felts: Have all of the residents of the building been accounted for? How many are injured? Where are injured people being taken? Bruce Chew: What type of assistance is being requested from Allegheny Co. What can't the Pittsburgh fire department handle? Mayor Comfort: We have no indication of chemical agents yet. Steve Charvat: Mayor and members of the media.... that is all the up-to-date information we have to this point...we will return at 5- minutes to the hour....please select 3 media persons to act as the media pool... prepared questions for the EOC should be directed to the City' PIO officer and related through the COMM officer Steve Charvat: mayor... would you like to join me?? Mayor Comfort: In Pittsburgh, we have collaboration between the City and County in regard to hazardous materials incidents. Steve Charvat: Mayor... see you back in the EOC.... Steve Charvat: good evening folks! Mayor Comfort: Thanks ...see you there. Suzanne Boccia: Where are the victims being taken? COMM Libbi Reed: Reporters: EOC requests an appeal to university students to respond to Red Cross Shelters to assist. Kirby Felts: Mayor Comfort, are there search and rescue efforts underway Kirby Felts: HEADLINE: City officials slow to respond to Y2K incident!!! ron davison: Thank you Mayor, As Steve Charvat, the EM Director noted, the Mayor will provide an update a bit later Cheryl Poage: Info Release: There is an appeal for university students to respond to Red Cross Shelters to assist. Kirby Felts: Or, should I say evasive???? Suzanne Boccia: How many people are being directed to shelters? How many can the shelters hold? Kirby Felts: Okay folks, let's develop our list of questions for the EOC. What are our main areas of concern? ron davison: A significant portion of the residents have family in the nearby area and are arranging to stay with relatives. the shelters are open and available for all residents in need. COMM Libbi Reed: EVENT -- A local radio talk show is receiving a string of callers who state they believe the government is lying about what is happening, and that it is the beginning of the end. Hank Salzmann: Where are the shelters being set up and will we have access to them? ron davison: We do not believe this is the beginning of the end at this time Cheryl Poage: Media Release, The gas company is investigation the cause of the explosion, no cause reported at this time. Hank Salzmann: Kirby Are the police protecting the Gas and Water and Electrical Plants? Suzanne Boccia: Kirby - concerns include where victims are being hospitalized, how many people are being evacuated, and is a Y2K terrorist event? ron davison: The red cross has established centers through out the city, we are currently requesting a red cross public information official come to the media center to provide support. The red cross action assist helpline number is 555-RCRS Kirby Felts: Questions for the EOC: Kirby Felts: (Sorry accidentally hit enter! ; ) Suzanne Boccia: Has the FBI begun to investigate the possible link to the terrorist group? ron davison: As noted earlier, an FBI official has been contacted by the media and is en route to the media center. COMM Libbi Reed: Gas main has been turned off. Power is out and an emergency crew is replacing damaged.... Suzanne Boccia: Does this mean the risk to others is eliminated? COMM Libbi Reed: equipment. Building is clear except for those in the elevator...their status is unknown as this time. Suzanne Boccia: How many people are in the elevator? Dead or alive? Suzanne Boccia: Can we get a photographer in there? Cheryl Poage: Hello, I need to go off line for a few minutes, I am unable to reach Ron. Can anyone step in as PIO? ron davison: Hi Cheryl, I am still available Suzanne Boccia: Is the building still on fire? ron davison: As noted earlier, we will provide regular updates on a continues schedule. We ask that the media hold off on their questions until these scheduled events. ron davison: Please note; however, that we will provide continuous updates as we receive them. I promise, we will provide you accurate information as soon as we receive it. COMM Libbi Reed: EVENT -- There is an unverified report of looting in the blacked out area. A small but angry mob is demanding to be let into City Hall. Suzanne Boccia: Why City Hall? ron davison: Hello reporters. Please direct your questions to the PIO. At this time, this will be me, until Cheryl comes back from her meeting with City officials Kirby Felts: Questions for the EOC: 1) Are the police protecting gas/water/electric plants 2) Where are victims being treated? 3) how many people are being evacuated? 4) Is this a Y2K terrorist event? 5) Is the FBI involved in the investigation? 6) Are other areas at risk? 7) What is the status of the building? Fire extinguished? 8) Have any response personnel been injured? 9) Mayor Comfort: Hello reporters. Steve Charvat: Mayor.. would you like me to start? Suzanne Boccia: Hello Mayor. Glad you're here. We have many questions. ron davison: Hello Mayor, the media has raised a few questions... Hank Salzmann: I have heard a rumor that the looting is spreading through the city and there is not enough police to stop it Mayor Comfort: I will introduce the Emergency Management Director, who will give a brief summary. Steve Charvat: Thank you all for attending. The Mayor and executive management team have been working for the past hour coordinating the multi-department efforts of the city. We have confirmed that the explosion is due to a natural gas explosion in the Golden Age Towers. Steve Charvat: Thank you all for attending. The Mayor and executive management team have been working for the past hour coordinating the multi-department efforts of the city. We have confirmed that the explosion is due to a natural gas explosion in the Golden Age Towers. Mayor Comfort: Steve, please start. I'll follow. Steve Charvat: We have confirmed that the rumors of the "so-called" Apocalyptic cult group are untrue and is unsubstantiated. I would like to repeat, that as of now, we believe this explosion to be the result of an accident. ron davison: Steve, Are police protecting gas/water/electrical plants? Steve Charvat: The city, working in conjunction with our hospital, school district, transit and red cross partners are taking care of the human needs of our citizens. Steve Charvat: please hold all questions to the end of our comments..thank you... ron davison: Where are the victims being treated and how many are there? Steve Charvat: we will recognize each of you Steve Charvat: one at a time please! Steve Charvat: mayor.. would you like to add any comments? ron davison: Steve, are there any new reports of fatalities? Mayor Comfort: Yes. At this time, we have no confirmed reports of the number of injuries. We have NO fatalities. ron davison: Mayor is this a Y2K event? Steve Charvat: yes Mr. Davison.. by definition it IS the new year Suzanne Boccia: We've heard from many sources that Apocalypse 2000 may be responsible for the explosion here, as well as in other cities across the country. Kirby Felts: So you're saying there is no terrorism involved? Mayor Comfort: Sorry,. interruption from outside sources. Steve Charvat: We are still verifying the cause of the explosion... but for now, our primary goal is to stabilize the scene, care for the injured and conduct a damage assessment Kirby Felts: Can you clarify that statement, Mayor? Mayor Comfort: There is no confirmed report of terrorist activity. We believe that it is a natural gas explosion. Suzanne Boccia: How can families contact relatives affected by the explosion? Mayor Comfort: The outside source was an invitation to a dinner at PEMA! Steve Charvat: mayor... I need to get back to the EOC.. my pager just went off to get an update Kirby Felts: I can see how that would pull your attention away from this incident. Mayor Comfort: We have a PIO who will work directly with the families. Suzanne Boccia: How can the families contact the PIO? Mayor Comfort: Thank you very much. We will provide a fresh update, as new information comes in. Cheryl Poage: Mayor, please discuss the shelter locations, and hospitals where the injured have been taken. COMM Libbi Reed: EVENT -- Power has been restored. Calls are now coming in asking if it is safe to return to the neighborhood. The mob has gotten cold and gone home. ron davison: So please report that we have established a 1-800 number, 1-800-555-help for families to find out about their relatives Mayor Comfort: The families will have an 800 number - a hot line - that they can call. Mayor Comfort: Thank you. More later. Steve Charvat: Mayor. .our on-scene personnel, accompanied by professional investigators, have determined that the cause of the gas explosion was the extremely cold temperatures.. so lets put this issue to rest Steve Charvat: see you folks in 30 minutes ron davison: The next news briefing will be held in 55 minutes. Thank you Suzanne Boccia: What is the current response at the scene? Kirby Felts: Hey folks, I was just walking past the EOC. Apparently we have a fatality. ron davison: Reporters. Staff are currently finalizing a press release. It will be made available to you in approximately 10 minutes. ron davison: As the mayor noted, we have no confirmed fatalities. We will look into this report. ron davison: Libby, Can we get a confirmation on the fatality from the EOC? COMM Libbi Reed: Will request Cheryl Poage: Ron, I just got a message from you. Do you want to keep the lead? COMM Libbi Reed: ALL CLEAR...return to Media Room for debriefing. ron davison: Sure, I think we are almost done, timewise, anyway