FBI On 'High Alert' Over Holiday Terrorist Attacks, Local Officials Warned

The FBI is on high alert and has joined the Department of Homeland Security to warn local law enforcement officials across the country about a heightened concern of terrorist attacks over the Fourth of July holiday.

Fortunately, the Malvern Police Department and Chester County officials have not issued any warnings specific to the area.

Law enforcement often issue warnings over holidays and major national events in an abundance of caution knowing that, from a terrorist’s point of view, the timing of an attack can determine how much coverage it gets.

For this holiday, though, there are additional concerns, including the recruiting ISIS has done in the United States and the potential for relatively small-scale, but still dangerous, “lone wolf” attacks.

Following overseas attacks in June, Department of Homeland Security Jeb Johnson said law enforcement was being encouraged to be “vigilant and prepared” for Independence Day celebrations.”

“We will also adjust security measures, seen and unseen, as necessary to protect the American people,’’ Johnson said. “We continue to encourage all Americans to attend public events and celebrate this country during this summer season, but always remain vigilant.’’

Should you be worried?

Worried? No. Cautious? Yes.

“I know I’d take my family to an event, fireworks or parade,” said Col. Michael J. Winquist, chief of police in Cranston, RI, who once worked as a coordinator of the intelligence sharing and counterterrorism efforts.

In this case, he said, there is no credible or specific threat, Winquist told Patch. That means that the warning and calls to be on high alert are not much different than the precautions urged on New Year’s Eve and other events where large gatherings of people are expected..

The most recent FBI alert is one of those “general concerns,” but that doesn’t mean that law enforcement officials in Malvern aren’t taking extra precautions.

As a result, a community event like a parade will have a strong police presence. But the tools police use these days might be invisible to the general public.

You might see police conducting K-9 sweeps to check garbage bins and parade viewing stands. There will be undercover officers in the crowd, in the parade, and others in places you might never think of looking.

Of course, if you see someone or something suspicious, no matter how small or minor, report it.

“A lot of times, these plots are uncovered through good police working with citizens who report suspicious activity,” Winquist said. “I know a lot of other chiefs are doing the same — monitoring the events they have and employing all the security tools at their disposal.”