WWE Survivor Series is set to take place Sunday at 8 p.m. in Atlanta, Georgia. Normally, the WWE operates without a worry in the world, as long as it’s off-screen. Security has recently been bolstered due to fans jumping over the barricade and interrupting the program. This Sunday at the Phillips Arena, however, the WWE will have a bigger threat to worry about.
According to Mark Winne, reporter at WSB-TV, known-terrorist group ISIS is potentially planning a threat at WWE Survivor Series on Sunday. Jim Butterworth, director of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency, talked to Winne about the ISIS threat.
“His agency is working closely with the FBI, the Georgia information sharing and analysis center and others in evaluating the threat on a Sunday WWE event in Atlanta reported by the group Anonymous.”
Threats made by ISIS aren’t always 100 percent accurate. Sometimes, threats are simply fabricated on the Internet for “foul play.” Winne has been able to confirm the threat with the FBI and notes the threat is being taken seriously.
FBI official: taking #Anonymous report about #Isis threat @ #WWE event in #Atlanta seriously @wsbtv #BREAKING
— Mark Winne (@MarkWinneWSB) November 21, 2015
Winne is currently awaiting a statement from the FBI. At this time, they only confirmed the threat. Winne also states that there is not a known plot that’s currently active. The threat is enough to take action against ISIS.
Anonymous continues to remain busy in their plans to take down ISIS. In a report by NBC News, Anonymous and ISIS traded jabs on the Internet. It’s becoming a cyber war that continues to be a big part of the digital way citizens are learning about ISIS information.
Frank the Clown, an avid-WWE fan, is a casual-goer of events all year. He thinks if the WWE cancels the show, there’s no shame in doing so to make sure thousands of lives are safe.
“I’m obviously somewhat alarmed. I have the upmost faith in our country’s defense & intelligence but WWE has to consider ANY & ALL options. If there’s ANY doubt, even the SLIGHTEST bit about safety for tomorrow, then there’s no shame in cancelling the show. 20,000 lives are more important than a 4 hour entertainment show and nobody would argue that. At the end of the day, on this much notice, I’m confident this will be handled properly and I’m looking forward to WWE’s official statement.”
Frank didn’t have to wait long as the WWE and Phillips Arena released an official statement regarding the situation.
“”Federal, state and local law enforcement authorities have confirmed there is no specific or credible information involving a threat against tomorrow’s WWE Survivor Series at Philips Arena. However, WWE and Philips Arena have coordinated with the appropriate agencies and law enforcement, and significantly increased security measures to ensure the safety of all those in attendance, which is our highest priority. Doors will open at 6 p.m. to help fans avoid any delays in entering the arena due to the additional precautionary security procedures put in place. Fans are encouraged to take public transportation (MARTA) to the event and are advised that bags will not be permitted in the arena.”
UPDATE: Winne was able to get a statement from the FBI and they’re currently tracking the situation, but don’t have official information to release about an attack at this time.
“The FBI is aware of reports of an alleged threat that includes an Atlanta, Georgia venue and event. While we take all threats seriously, we do not have specific or credible information of an attack at this time. We have, however, made the proper notifications as we continue to work closely with our law enforcement and private sector partners to keep our community safe.”
According to Winne’s updated statements, there is no specific or credible attack information available for WWE Survivor Series on Sunday night. That doesn’t mean officials won’t take the threat seriously, but it does give the citizens of Atlanta and patrons of WWE Survivor Series the sense of security that should remain present.
WWE has gone on record to always put the safety of its audience before the show itself. A fan simply jumping over the barricade to interrupt the show isn’t a real threat 100 percent of the time. A threat from ISIS is something the WWE will take very seriously.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
[Image via youtube.com]
