Official: France attack reinforces DNC security plan

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Thursday night's use of a truck as a terror weapon reinforces why there will be robust security at the Democratic National Convention, says the man in charge of Philadelphia's Secret Service office.

"But it doesn't change the plan because we account for a scenario just like this. That's why you'll see road closures. That's why you'll see vehicle restrictions," said Secret Service Special Agent James Henry.

What you won't see is ordinary traffic. Under the DNC plan it all comes to a halt on July 23 for six days.

A grid of streets near the Wells Fargo Center will be either vehicle-free or limited to just authorized vehicles.

Security will resemble the papal visit, but on a smaller footprint.

In September a device called an MP5000 by Delta Scientific was used.

"Basically it's a pop up barrier," said Henry.

It can admit authorized vehicles, but when popped up, it is designed to stop a would-be intruder in a vehicle as demonstrated in a company video.

Given I-95's proximity to the Wells Fargo, there will be major changes.

Both medium-duty vehicles, from bread trucks to RV's, and heavy-duty vehicles, from trash trucks to 18 wheelers, will be banned from using nine miles of the busy interstate. In other words, any vehicle over 5 tons will have to detour.

"It's been the assessment that vehicles over that size can significantly impact that perimeter around Wells Fargo," said Henry, adding they could constitute a threat.

And there will be changes in the sky.

The approach path to Philadelphia International Airport comes close to the arena.

The FAA will require even private aircraft passengers to undergo TSA screening at their departure point before being cleared to Philadelphia.