On September 5th, 1972, eight Palestinian terrorists infiltrated the Olympic Village in Munich, Germany and took hostage eleven Israeli athletes, triggering a chain of events remembered to this day as the Munich Massacre. The eighteen-hour standoff with the terrorists, and subsequent death of all eleven hostages, had an enormous impact on future Olympic security efforts.
“The effect of that attack was profound, both on an international and personal level,” says former Congressman C. Thomas McMillen. “The experience irrevocably changed my life.”
As a member of the 1972 USA Men’s Basketball Team, Congressman McMillen was at the Games during the attack, and his future path bears out the impact of the incident. After serving three consecutive terms in the House of Representatives, Congressman McMillen entered the private sector with an eye to the fragmented homeland security industry. Congressman McMillen is the Chairman and CEO of Homeland Security Capital Corporation (HSCC), which focuses on acquiring and developing emerging companies within the homeland security industry.
With this year’s Summer Games in Beijing providing a climate rife for protests, Congressman McMillen suggests certain basic precautions for Olympics attendees:
- Utilize Hotel Resources: If you plan on using public transportation, map out your route prior to leaving your hotel; if you’ll be taking car service, have your hotel arrange a pickup.
- Language Barrier: Invest in a Chinese phrase book, and take the time to learn basic phrases for directions and help. Additionally, inquire as to any local customs or cultural idiosyncrasies that you should observe.
- Back It Up: Always keep photocopies of any important documents, including passports and other photo identification.
While recognizing that the task can be Herculean, Congressman McMillen is optimistic about the security efforts that are being put in place by the Chinese government. China has established an international police liaison office, and, all told, the city has vowed that no fewer than 80,000 security guards will be dedicated to the Games.
“My political career has allowed me to witness the inner workings of homeland security,” says the Congressman. “But we should always remember and learn from the tragedy at Munich.” For more information on Congressman McMillen and HSCC, visit the company’s website at www.hscapcorp.com.
Contacts:
Susan Morgenbesser, 212-825-3210
