US airports step up security following Turkey attack

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - As the nation prepares for a holiday weekend, security is being stepped up across the country at airports in the wake of Tuesday's terrorist attack. Three suicide bombers killed 41 people and injured hundreds of others at a security checkpoint at the Istanbul airport.

No Americans were among the dead, and no group has claimed responsibility. Turkey's PM says all signs point to ISIS. It's the second attack of this type, the attack in Belgium at an airport was carried out near a security checkpoint.

Things are smooth and secure at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, but many travelers say in the back of their minds they are thinking about the what-ifs of a terror attack. But experts say changing your behavior out of fear is what the terrorists want.

"It's the goal of terrorists to produce terror among the populations and certainly the victory of the terrorist group to make people feel afraid at all times when the actual risk remains relatively quite small," said Daniel Rothenberg.

Some travelers say safety is top of mind, but you cannot let it rule your life.

"I think this is a time when you have to be weary no matter what's happening, I'm also part of the gay community after Orlando I think whenever I'm in a place where there's a lot of people I'm always looking over my shoulder," he said.

"That's exactly what they're trying to do. They're trying to change our lifestyle; it's not going to work," said Ron Sharrah.

While it seems the risk of a terror attack is getting higher, experts say in the United States the chances of a well-organized formal attack remain low.

"In the post-9/11 era, the relatively small number of Jihadi terrorist attacks in the U.S. Have been committed by U.S. Citizens and in some cases permanent residents. None of whom had had formal connections to ISIS or other terrorist groups. They may have been influenced, they may have gone online and engaged in some level of interest in technology, but they have not been members of these groups," said Rothenberg.

Turkey's PM has pointed the finger of blame to ISIS for the attack even though no official claim has been made by the group.