July 18, 2006

11000 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles, Ca 90024 310-996-3804,3343,4402 Fax: 310-996-3345

REWARD INCREASED TO $30,000 IN CASE WHERE ANIMAL LIBERATION GROUP CLAIMED RESPONSIBILITY FOR TERRORIST ATTACK ON ELDERLY WOMAN WHO WAS UNINTENDED TARGET On July 11, an animal rights website reported that the Animal Liberation Front or "ALF" had claimed responsibility for an improvised incendiary device left at a home in Bel Air, California on June 30, 2006. The device found outside the home, which is inhabited by a 70 year old woman and a male tenant, could have claimed the life of its unintended victims and others. When the device was discovered, the victim contacted the fire department. Arson investigators responded and notified members of the Los Angeles Joint Terrorism Task Force, since the incendiary device used was similar to those used by animal rights extremists and eco-terrorists. In addition, a separate residence in the neighborhood is the frequent subject of protests by animal rights groups, indicating that the victim residence was not the intended target. The improvised incendiary device failed to ignite when left at the victim's door. It is the opinion of arson investigators that if the device had functioned properly, escape would have been difficult, if not impossible, particularly given the hillside location of the house. A sample of the flammable liquid was taken by the Los Angeles Fire Department Arson unit for analysis, and the device will be sent to the FBI Laboratory for forensic analysis. Anyone with information about this crime is urged to contact the FBI or their local law enforcement agency. A reward of up to $30,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person/s responsible for this crime. The FBI can be reached 24 hours per day at 310 477-6565. This investigation will be conducted by the FBI, Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Fire Department, the ATF, and other members of the Joint Terrorism Task Force. CONTACT: FBI Media Relations: (310) 996-3343, (310) 996-3804 or (310) 996-4402 Los Angeles Fire Department Media Relations: (213) 485-5162 Los Angeles Police Department Media Relations: (213) 485-3586 ATF Media Relations: Susan Raichel: (888) 512-9448 UCLA Media Relations: (310) 825-5825 University of California Media Relations: (310) 206-4344