Halloween weekend mall threat reported in northern Virginia ahead of election
OBIDEN THE BOLD FACED LIAR
| October 29, 2021 02:22 PM
| Updated Oct 29, 2021, 07:56 PM
Authorities are warning people in northern Virginia to stay alert this Halloween weekend.
The Fairfax County Police Department said on Friday it received information about a threat, which was not specified, just days away from a major statewide election.
Sources told CBS News the threat was linked back to the Islamic State, though officials have not issued a public statement about the terrorist group being involved.
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“We go into every holiday weekend, whether it’s Halloween or Thanksgiving or Christmas, with increased patrols,” Police Chief Kevin Davis said in a press conference . “So, our increased patrols are out there. We have an election coming up next Tuesday. We’ll have increased patrols throughout the next several days and an abundance of caution because that’s what we do as a public safety agency.”
NEW: Sources tell @CBSNews the warning of a potential threat against malls and shopping centers located just outside Washington D.C. originated with ISIS. Law enforcement actively assessing credibility. pic.twitter.com/SfCD56Noje
— Catherine Herridge (@CBS_Herridge) October 29, 2021
“We have ramped up our presence at places where people shop, at places where people recreate, gather, dine. It’s our responsibility to do that we routinely do this,” Davis added.
The police said the department is taking the information it has on the threat very seriously. The department also insisted the increased police presence is not out of the ordinary, as the department beefs up security every holiday.
Federal and local officials who spoke to WUSA9 said there is an elevated and highly specific threat against northern Virginia malls this Halloween weekend, said reporter Mike Valerio. He also reported federal officials who said the threat was received earlier in the week, causing a high level of concern.
?Northern Virginia Halloween Weekend Mall Threat >> The threat, according to federal officials, was received earlier in the week, causing a *high* degree of concern.
Fairfax County’s police chief will speak at 1PM. The Department released the statement below: 2/ pic.twitter.com/4lqqEHOWup
— Mike Valerio (@MikevWUSA) October 29, 2021
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The Arlington County Police Department and the Prince William County Police Department told WTOP they are also aware of the reports and are urging public awareness as they work with law enforcement partners.
The Washington Examiner reached out to the FBI, Fairfax County Police Department, Arlington County Police Department, Prince William County Police Department for comment, but did not immediately receive a response back.
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