FLOWERY BRANCH — The Georgia Dome was among seven NFL stadiums that a Web site claimed would be hit with radiological dirty bombs this weekend.
The government didn’t put much stock in the threat, which was posted last week as part of an ongoing Internet conversation titled “New Attack on America Be Afraid.”
Still, it prompted both the Falcons and the Georgia Dome to put out statements expressing faith in their security measures.
“We are aware of the recent reports, and the Department of Homeland Security has been in communication with the league office,” Falcons spokesman Reggie Roberts said. “All NFL stadiums, including the Georgia Dome, are very well protected through comprehensive security procedures. The Georgia Dome has and continues to hold safety and security as a top priority for our fans.”
The Web site mentioned NFL stadiums in Atlanta, New York, Miami, Seattle, Houston, Oakland and Cleveland, where games are scheduled for this weekend. The Falcons host Pittsburgh.
While Homeland Security officials said the threat was being viewed “with strong skepticism,” they also notified the NCAA. Georgia is hosting Mississippi State on Saturday, while Georgia Tech plays at Clemson.
“The death toll will approach 100,000 from the initial blasts and countless other fatalities will later occur as result from radioactive fallout,” according to a copy of the posting that was obtained by The Associated Press.
The bombs, according to the posting, would be delivered to the stadiums in trucks. All but one of the stadiums — the Georgia Dome — are outdoor arenas, the posting noted, adding: “Due to the open air, the radiological fallout will destroy those not killed in the initial explosion.”
Explosions would be nearly simultaneous, the posting said, with the cities specifically chosen in different time zones.
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