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Maryland Officials Get FBI Briefing

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ) -- Stepping up security. Just a few days before the anniversary of 9/11, Maryland leaders assess homeland security.

Adam May reports from a high-level private meeting in Annapolis.

It's not every day the FBI takes part in a state security cabinet meeting. It was closed to the general public but Governor Martin O'Malley says there are no specific threats against Maryland.

Surrounded by cabinet members from every state agency, just a few days before the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, O'Malley sat beside a representative from the FBI for a closed door meeting. Media access was limited to the first five minutes.

"The fact that this is a significant anniversary of our homeland is reason for all of us to be at a heightened level of awareness," O'Malley said.

Since 9/11, the governor says Maryland improved intelligence sharing with federal agencies and the state has greatly increased the number of closed circuit security cameras but he says public awareness is the front line of defense.

"The most important shield that any free people has is its free citizenry so as we approach this 9/11 anniversary, if you see something, say something. Be always vigilant and alert," O'Malley said.

So far, the only official alert regards small planes. Homeland Security issued a warning to airports.

"Two FBI agents actually came in and introduced themselves and told me about the possibility of, not a specific threat, but that al-Qaeda was planning to use general aviation to harm us here in America," said flight instructor Bob Woods.

Maryland's Emergency Management Agency will stay staffed until after the 9/11 anniversary.

To report suspicious activity in Maryland, call 1-800-492-TIPS.

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