Chicago reopens Sears observation deck
As one of ChicagoÕs most popular tourist attractions, the Skydeck atop the Sears Tower reopened yesterday. Situated on the 103rd floor of the nationÕs tallest building, the observation deck has been closed to the public since Sept. 11.
Chicago Mayor Richard Daley announced the reopening at a press conference that included former President George Bush. “By reopening this symbol of strength and vitality in AmericaÕs heartland, youÕre sending a message that the terrorists have failed,” Bush told attendees. “They thought they could strike fear in our hearts, and, for a while, maybe they were successful. No longer.”
The rest of the Sears Tower opened Sept. 12 with heightened security, but the Skydeck remained closed as the city implemented new security measures there. Visitors to the Skydeck now must pass through a metal detector and have their bags X-rayed before entering. Additionally, they must show I.D. as they pass through security checkpoints.
The Skydeck reopened just hours before Attorney General John Ashcroft warned the nation of a “credible” threat of terrorist action in the next week. Ashcroft said that law enforcement agencies and the public should be on “highest alert” for attacks within the United States and/or against U.S. interests abroad.
Following AshcroftÕs press conference, Chicago officials said they would remain diligent about security and keep the Skydeck open.