Brussels attacks impacts TIA security, USF staff okay

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – More security could be seen around Tampa International Airport Tuesday after the terror attacks in Brussels, Belgium. More TSA officers, along with airport police and K9 units are working the common areas at TIA according to Emily Nipps with Tampa International Airport.

Meantime, a spokesman at the University of South Florida is reporting two staff members, who are in Brussels are safe and unharmed. USF President Dr. Judy Genshaft released this statement:

The entire USF community is saddened by the news of the attacks that happened in Brussels, Belgium, throughout the night. Everyone affected by these attacks is in our thoughts and prayers. This event hits close to home as our own USF Sarasota-Manatee Regional Chancellor Dr. Sandra Stone and USFSM Director of Global Engagement Amela Malkic are currently in Brussels as part of a trip through our Global Engagement Office. We have confirmed that both are safe and unharmed.
USF System personnel are working with the central USF World office to ensure that they arrive home safe and sound.
The safety and wellbeing of our students, faculty and staff are paramount to the USF System, and we continue to do everything in our power to ensure that they remain safe when traveling abroad.

USF professor Derek Harvey, who also in US intelligence and is an ISIS expert is telling News Channel 8 that the attacks in Brussels were accelerated by recent raids and the arrest of one of the Paris attack terror suspects. As far, as any attacks on US soil, Harvey tells News Channel 8, that predicting these attacks in hard to determine.

As far, as any attacks on US soil, Harvey tells News Channel 8, that predicting these attacks in hard to determine.

Meanwhile, Florida Governor Rick Scott has ordered all flags be flown at half-staff to honor victims of the Brussels terror attacks. The flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on Monday, March 28.