U.S. ups airport security; threat level unchanged

By Caren Bohan

KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine (Reuters) - The United States boosted security at airports following what British police called a terrorist attack at Glasgow airport and car bombs found in London, but left the U.S. threat level unchanged.

White House officials said on Saturday they had uncovered no specific threat in the United States and the color-coded gauge of security threats was not raised.

Still, White House spokesman Tony Snow said more police and federal agents would be sent to guard airports and travelers could expect inconveniences including longer lines ahead of the busy Independence Day holiday on July 4, especially at larger airports.

"There is no indication of any specific or credible threat to the United States, no change in the overall security level," said Snow, who is with President George W. Bush at his parents' summer home in Kennebunkport, Maine.

However, Snow said the Transportation Security Administration, the federal agency in charge of security at U.S. airports, is undertaking some "alertness-raising measures."

"You're likely to see those (measures) in the increased presence of some TSA agents outside terminals," Snow said. More local police will also be sent to guard airports.

Asked if the beefed-up security was prompted by the London and Glasgow incidents, Snow said: "I think it's really a result of just trying to make sure that, when you're taking a look at developments around the world, that you're taking every necessary precaution."

Britain raised its national security alert level on Saturday to "critical," the highest level that indicates an attack is expected imminently.