Austin reacts to North Korean threats

Keep Austin missile free

Lauren Lowry
The Signal
Kim Jong-un, supreme leader of North Korea, made a nuclear threat to the U.S. Jan. 24, stating he plans to launch missiles in the near future. One of the cities targeted is Austin, Texas.

The North Korean government, under the dictatorship of Kim Jong-un’s father, Kim Jong-il, issued a similar nuclear threat to the U.S. in 2006 and nothing occurred.

The U.S. has reacted to the current threat by sending ships and missile defenses to North Korea’s east coast.

Citizens of Austin have questioned the reason for the threat stating the city is not a logical place to impose that large of an attack. A majority of Austin officials do not think North Korea is capable of such a great attack, but they are still taking the proper precautions to prepare.

“Yes, we were surprised to hear that Austin was purportedly on a list of four U.S. targets,” said R. Scott Swearengin, assistant director of Austin Homeland Security and Emergency Management. “There is much conjecture as to why Austin would be listed. Only the North Koreans would know for sure. We have been in touch with our state partners. While there is no reason to believe that there is any credibility to the threat, we continue to monitor the situation closely.”

Austin city officials were not the only ones who had a disbelieving reaction to the threat. The citizens of Austin also questioned the credibility of the situation.

“I am not really concerned about it,” said Jay Farnie, Austin resident and student at University of Texas. “When I first heard about it, it actually made me laugh a little. It just really doesn’t make much sense. If I were trying to piss off America, there are so many other places that could be nuked that would affect a larger population.”

The city of Austin is known for its booming economy, eclectic music scene and its hippie culture that includes the ‘Keep Austin Weird’ motto. The city is the headquarters for large technology companies such as Dell. Austin is also the state capital and central hub for Texas politics.

“There are only three reasons I can think of why Austin was listed,” Farnie said.  “First, the Capitol building is a building that many citizens can identify, making it a good location to blow up. Another reason could be that Kim Jong-un might be mixing it up like in the movie “Road Trip,” where he is thinking Austin, Massachusetts. The only other reason I could think of is that it was just placed on the list as a distraction.”

Citizens with access to social media have not been shy about expressing their thoughts on the situation.

Austinite Shelly Brisbin tweeted: “Forbes rates Austin third most nuke-able city in US. Mayor credits educated workforce, music scene.” #whyaustin.

Austinite Paul Varghese tweeted: “If North Korea does bomb Austin, could it please be, for all comedic and ironic reasons, be on 4/20?”

Austin Homeland Security and Emergency Management advised residents to prepare for any situation, regardless of how urgent it may be. They believe that being prepared can benefit the community as a whole when faced with any kind of emergency.

“Locally, we recommend the following four steps to help our citizens prepare,” Swearengin said: “1) Have a plan. Choose an out-of-town contact to call if separated from your family. Be sure to know two escape routes from your home; 2) Make a kit. Store at least a 3-day supply of food, water and other necessities; 3) Stay informed. Set your emergency radios to KLBJ (590AM). Follow @AustinHSEM on Twitter. Visit “Disaster Ready Austin” on Facebook; 4) Know your neighbors. Attend National Night Out. Join your Neighborhood Association. Walk door-to-door.”

In this slideshow The Signal reporter Veronica Lopez takes a look at what would be missed if the city of Austin ceased to exist. The slideshow was created in response to the threats against Austin by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
Slideshow created by Veronica Lopez: The Signal.