- After warnings of a possible terror plot, authorities in North Virginia announced an increased police presence on Friday
- More police patrols will be deployed at major centers, transit hubs and shopping malls in Fairfax County
- In a press release, the sheriff’s office in nearby Loudoun County also stated it was aware of potential threats this weekend in the Washington area
RICHMOND, Virginia: After warnings of a possible terror plot, authorities in North Virginia announced an increased police presence as of late last week.
According to a source, officials are determining the validity of the threat, but as a precaution, federal and local law enforcement departments are investigating and ensuring the protection of potential targets.
The source added that the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security briefed state and local law enforcement officials in Maryland, Washington DC and Virginia about a potential terror plot in the region.
During a news briefing, Chief Kevin Davis said police in Virginia’s Fairfax County received information concerning “potential public safety impacts to malls and shopping centers across the region.”
More police patrols will be deployed at major centers, transit hubs and shopping malls in Fairfax County, he added, while encouraging the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities.
In a press release, the sheriff’s office in nearby Loudoun County also stated it was aware of potential threats last weekend in the Washington area.
“This information is limited and there is nothing specific to Loudoun County,” the release added.
Carly Kennedy, FBI Washington field office spokeswoman, declined to comment specifically on the reported threat, but she stated, “The FBI takes all potential threats to public safety seriously, and we take all appropriate steps to determine the credibility of any information we receive.”
Meanwhile, during an Intelligence and National Security Alliance event, Homeland Security intelligence chief John Cohen said the situation in the US is more “volatile, dynamic and complex” than at any time in recent memory.
“We are dealing with an evolving foreign terrorist threat environment. We are dealing with a sustained threat by domestic violent extremists and domestic terrorists,” he said.
