BUTTE — Butte, America, versus ISIS.
Some welcome the confrontation. Others fear it. Either way, the Mining City is abuzz with the news of hometown boy Rob O’Neill being the man who took down Osama bin Laden.
Many folks in town have voiced concern that the outing not only puts O’Neill and his family in danger but also his beloved Butte. Added to that worry is a statement by his father, Tom, printed in the article that broke the news this week: “People are asking if we are worried that ISIS will come and get us because Rob is going public. I say I’ll paint a big target on my front door and say come and get us.”
Is the threat real?
“I don’t wouldn’t say it’s high on the list even though those things have been commented on,” said Dan Dennehy, director of emergency management for Butte-Silver Bow.
The most recent Hazard Mitigation Plan by the county says no. Well, probably not.
“Due to the lack of past events in Butte-Silver Bow, the probability of future terrorism attacks is rated as ‘infrequent,’” according to the plan, published in 2010.
“Although unlikely, Butte-Silver Bow could experience an international or domestic terrorist attack. Bombings, snipers, release of radiological materials, chemical attacks and bio-terrorism are all possible,” the plan follows.
Dennehy said he is more concerned with earthquakes or long cold snaps. Another plan will be drawn up next year.
“Those things are known. Not terrorism based on a hero’s actions while he was doing his duty to protect this country,” he added.
“I don’t think ISIS will be looking at Butte, Mont., for retribution.”
While some of his neighbors thought the father’s comment seemed brash, they weren’t concerned about terrorist groups swooping down on the neighborhood.
“I’m not concerned about it,” said one elderly neighbor. “I’m not afraid they’re going to come after us.”
Butte-Silver Bow Sheriff Ed Lester said he has been contacted by Butte residents worried the outing of O’Neill as the shooter will mark a target on the Mining City.
“I have heard some concerns for the community. I think it is something we have to consider,” Lester said.
“I certainly wouldn’t talk about any extra security measures, but we are monitoring the situation and we will see how the story unfolds.”