Law enforcement, citizens should profile based on behavior: Act for America founder
The incident renewed discussion of the U.S. Homeland Security’s campaign, “If You See Something, Say Something,” to make Americans more aware of their surroundings in an effort to thwart potential attacks.
Act for America founder Brigitte Gabriel said citizens shouldn’t be worried about how they are perceived if they speak up about suspicious behavior.
“Do not say to yourself, ‘I cannot judge others, you know, maybe I’m being too insensitive, or maybe I’m acting like a bigot.’ Get these thoughts out of your mind, this is a time where we need to start profiling based on behavior and mannerism, not on background,” Gabriel told the FOX Business Network’s Neil Cavuto.
According to Gabriel, a key first step to being more vigilant is putting away your cell phone.
“For starters, don’t be looking down at your cell phone, be aware of your surroundings.”
Someone’s attire, such as an oversized coat, especially in warmer climates, could be a warning sign.
“We are now, obviously with somebody either trying to detonate a suicide bomb, like the example today, or hiding a knife or machete to maybe stab people, somebody like that will be dressed in an oversized jacket,” she explained.
Another tip Gabriel suggested was to watch for someone sitting in a particularly stiff, rigid position. A clenched fist along with the other clues could be another sign of suspicious behavior.
“People who have a clutched fist for example, along with all the other signs that I just mentioned, he may be holding a detonating device,” Gabriel said on “Cavuto: Coast to Coast.”
Gabriel also suggested watching how people are acting in response to others around them.
“If you see somebody looking at people suspiciously as if trying to see if somebody is watching, that’s somebody to report.”