Law enforcement officials across Washington are taking additional steps to protect the nation’s capital and its infrastructure following the Islamic State’s threat to strike Washington in the days following its deadly attack on Paris.
The FBI said it and the Department of Homeland Security are “closely monitoring” events in Paris.
“At this time, there is no specific or credible threat to the United States. We will not hesitate to adjust our security posture, as appropriate, to protect the American people,” the FBI said in a statement.
“DHS and the FBI routinely share information with our state, local, federal and international law enforcement, intelligence and homeland security partners, and continually evaluate the level of protection we provide at federal facilities.”
The Capitol Police Board, which overseas law enforcement and security for the Capitol and its surrounding buildings issued a statement regarding their “heightened security posture,” following the warning.
“Today’s threat environment dictates that we operate at a high level of vigilance and employ agile and flexible tactics to ensure the safety of the Legislative Branch against persistent dangers,” USCP said in the statement. “As with many law enforcement agencies around the nation, the USCP has increased visibility in a number of areas. The increased presence and visibility is a proactive enhancement of our already heightened security posture.”
Washington police are increasing patrols, adding K9 sweeps and expanding random explosives screening in the capital city’s Metro rail system, the Metro Transit Police Department announced the moves Monday.
The police said they also “have implemented several other countermeasures that are not visible to the traveling public,” along with other local and federal law enforcement agencies.
Police urged Metro riders to report suspicious activity by calling (202) 962-2121 or texting “MyMTPD.”
