Local Airport Asks Passengers To Remain Alert In Wake Of Istanbul Attack

<p>Experts say the attack at the airport in Istanbul could have happened at almost any airport anywhere in the world.</p>

Wednesday, June 29th 2016, 6:02 pm



Experts say the attack at the airport in Istanbul could have happened at almost any airport anywhere in the world. Airports are considered so-called "Soft targets", places where people are particularly vulnerable.

At least 41 people are dead and more than 230 wounded after three explosions at the Istanbul Airport in Turkey late Tuesday, June 28.  And while no one has claimed responsibility, authorities suspect the Islamic State, known as ISIS or ISIL is to blame.

At Will Rogers World Airport, the attack is on the minds of people like Kim Barr of Norman.  Her daughter is flying to Colorado Wednesday, June 29.

“She and I have talked about watching out for people that look like they're hiding something or that are strange. Make sure they you know where exits are where police officers are and stuff,” said Barr.

Airport officials say that's key.

"The bottom line is we can't cover everything. So we do depend on the public to assist on being part of that security level,” said airport spokeswoman Karen Carney. “We hope that we never have to encounter such a horrible situation. But the fact is every airport is susceptible.”

So, experts say if you see something say something, even if you think it could be nothing. 

"So often in our culture today, whether it's because people are afraid of being sued or they don't want to get involved or they're too busy, all those things are true,” said David Barnes, Director of the Oklahoma County Department of Emergency Management.

“We tend to let things go by or you don't want to get involved.  And as a result of that bad things happen to good people,” continued Barnes.

The Will Rogers World Airport is not increasing security in the wake of the airport attack in Istanbul, but Carney said they always try to remain vigilant and ask passengers and anyone entering the airport to do the same.

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