WINNIPEG — A terrorist attack during the Sochi Olympics is a real threat, terrorism experts say, but it’s not stopping one Manitoba curling star’s family from going to the Games to cheer her on.
Earlier this week an Islamic militant group claimed responsibility for the bombings near Sochi last month that killed 34 people. They also warned tourists who go to the Games that they will get a “present,” sparking even more security concerns.
But Winnipeg’s Devlin Hinchey isn’t letting a threat stop him from going to Russia to support this wife, Jill Officer, second on the Jennifer Jones curling team.
“I think there’s an increased level of concern. We’re very excited with the Olympics, we hear about what’s going on in the news, as anyone would, and I think we aren’t necessarily afraid but our concern level has gone up slightly,” said Hinchey.
University of Manitoba Prof. Peter St. John, a security and terrorism specialist, agrees that tourists should be more alert.
“This is a credible, a serious terrorist threat. There has always been threats to Olympic Games, but this is one of the most obvious and dangerous,” said St. John.
Some Winnipeger’s are willing to take the risk though and would go to Russia to watch Canadian athletes bring home the gold.
“Generally speaking, as soon as a major event happens, there are some threats, so we can’t let fear dominate our lives,” said one supporter.
St. John does have a tip for anyone going to the Games.
“Don’t go out into public places that are heavily inhabited by people, stay on the fringes of the crowd and watch around you.”
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