Police ramping up security following threat to shopping centers

Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis answers a question about a threat to shopping centers at an Oct. 29 news briefing. On the right are ATF Special Agent Charlie Patterson and FCPD Major Crimes Bureau Chief Ed O’Carroll. [FCPD]

Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis confirmed yesterday that law enforcement agencies throughout the region are ramping up security around shopping centers, malls, transit hubs, and major thoroughfares in response to a public safety threat. 

“We don’t have more specific information,” Davis said at a news briefing Oct. 29 on the ATM murder investigation. “We’re acting with an abundance of caution.” He said the police department routinely increases its presence at major gathering places during holiday weekends but has reason to be extra cautious now. 

The Alexandria Police Department “is aware of information circulating regarding potential threats to malls, shopping centers, and other public gathering locations in Northern Virginia this weekend,” the department announced on Twitter. “While information is limited, we remain vigilant and dedicated to protecting our community” and will “increase patrols in high-visibility locations.”   

The Arlington Police Department issued a similar message about “a non-specific, unconfirmed threat to shopping centers.” The department encourages the public “to remain attentive as you go about your normal routine, particularly in areas where large crowds of people typically gather such as shopping centers, restaurant districts, religious services, and public transportation hubs.”  

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office announced on Facebook plans to “increase patrols this weekend in high visibility locations to include shopping centers, malls, and other commercial establishments.”

CBS News reported the threat is from ISIS.

While local police departments don’t specify where the threat is coming from, CBS News reports that ISIS and al Qaeda are accelerating threats since the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. 

CBS quotes John Cohen, intelligence chief at the Department of Homeland Security: “Right now we’re seeing a dramatic increase – or an increase – in online activity by media operations associated with different al Qaeda elements and the Islamic State,” Cohen said. The groups are encouraging “lone wolf attacks” by individuals acting on their own.