No evidence of U.S.-based threat, Chertoff says

WASHINGTON — Investigators have uncovered no signs of U.S.-based terrorists linked to a plot to blow up airliners headed to the United States, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said Friday.

"We do not have evidence ... that there was any plan to initiate any activity in the United States or that the plotting was done in the United States," Chertoff said, a day after British authorities announced the arrests of two dozen suspects.

The arrests led the Bush administration to put the U.S. on its highest threat alert on flights headed to the United States from the United Kingdom. Additionally, all other flights were raised to the second-highest alert level.

But Friday, Chertoff said his department was looking to adjust some of the new traveling restrictions — they have barred many common carry-on items such as water bottles and toiletries — to "somewhat reduce any additional inconvenience." He provided no details.