Police Agencies Across NoVA Extra Vigilant In Response To ISIS Halloween Weekend Threat

NORTHERN VIRGINIA — Police departments across Northern Virginia ramped up their presence at shopping malls and other gathering places over the Halloween weekend in response to a threat to public safety they received in the past 24 hours, the agencies said Friday.

While authorities didn't specify the source of the threat, CBS News reported law enforcement said the terrorist group ISIS was the cause for the alert. Threats from ISIS and Al Qaeda have picked up with calls for lone wolf attacks overseas and at home, the network said.

In Fairfax County, police will be “hyper-vigilant” on all public safety matters over the weekend and through Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 2, Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis said at a news conference Friday.

The FCPD received information related to "potential public safety impacts to malls and shopping centers across the region," Davis said.

"As you all know, we take any and all information very seriously and as we work to corroborate it, we have increased our police presence throughout the county to include major thoroughfares, transit hubs, shopping plazas and shopping malls."

When the police department receives information like it did on Thursday, "we act on it," Davis said.

The police chief did not provide any details about where the information came from but advised the public to "be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity."

"We're simply being proactive," Davis said. "We're acting with an abundance of caution in the best interest of those who reside here."

Davis said the increased police presence over Halloween weekend is similar to when police patrols are increased around other holidays, such as the 4th of July and Christmas.

But the information caused a high enough degree of concern among law enforcement agencies to convince them to issue a public alert. Law enforcement officials hope that greater public knowledge of the threat will deter people from acting on the threats, according to reports.

Davis said residents should report any suspicious activity they see to the police non-emergency number at 703-691-2131, or dial 911.

Late Friday afternoon, Reston Town Center announced that its trick-or-treat event scheduled for the center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday had been canceled. The shopping center had not responded to a request for comment on why the Halloween event had been canceled when this article was published.

In neighboring Loudoun County, authorities are also taking precautions due to the threats. The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office said there are no specific threats to their area, but they will increase patrols in high-visibility areas like malls and shopping centers.

Anyone who sees suspicious activity in Loudoun is encouraged to call the sheriff's office at 703-777-1021 or by dialing 911.

On Saturday, Dulles Town Center announced that the “Mall-O-Ween” trick-or-treating event at the Sterling mall, planned for noon on Sunday, has been cancelled.

The Prince William County Police Department issued a similar statement on Friday afternoon. They had not received a specific threat either, though the police department did note that it is staying in close contact with other law enforcement agencies in the area.

"If you see something suspicious, law enforcement requests you notify authorities as soon as possible," the Prince William County Police Department said. "Police are increasing our presence in and around shopping centers, malls, and commercial establishments through the weekend."

Law enforcement in Prince William County can be reached at 703-792-6500.

The Alexandria Police Department said it is also aware of information circulating about potential threats to malls, shopping centers and other public gathering locations this weekend.

"While information is limited, we remain vigilant and dedicated to protecting our community," the police department said in a news release Friday.

APD said it will increase patrols in high visibility locations and encouraged residents and visitors to report any suspicious activity by calling 911.

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