Department of Homeland Security chief Jeh Johnson basically warned against going to the Mall of America today, after threats of a terror attack by al Shabaab. ” I would say that, if anyone is planning to go to the Mall of America today, they have got to be particularly careful,” said Johnson.
He made the comments this morning on CNN:
I have to get right to the news this morning, which is that an al Qaeda-linked terror group, Al-Shabaab, is publicly calling for attacks now on shopping malls in the United States, as well as overseas. They have specifically targeted the Mall of America in Minnesota in a video they have released.
What can you tell us about how operationally advanced this threat is, Mr. Secretary?
JEH JOHNSON, U.S. SECRETARY OF HOMELAND SECURITY: Gloria, this
latest statement from Al-Shabaab reflects the new phase we have evolved to in the global terrorist threat, in that you have groups such as Al-Shabaab, ISIL publicly calling for independent actors in their homelands to carry out attacks.
We’re beyond the phase now where these groups would send foreign operatives into countries after being trained someplace. We’re now at a stage where it is all the more important in our counterterrorism efforts that we have a whole of government approach.
We have the military response through an international coalition, but there’s also law enforcement and Homeland Security, which is why the summit we had this week on countering violent extremism in our communities is all the more important. I have personally been to Minneapolis to meet with Islamic community leaders there.
And so our law enforcement-Homeland Security engagements here at home, given how this terrorist threat has evolved, are becoming all the more important.
BORGER: Well, there are reports that ISIS is trying to recruit Al-Shabaab, and that that may be part of the problem in Minneapolis. Is that your read of it?
JOHNSON: We’re in an environment right now where I suspect these groups are competing for attention.
ISIL has received a lot of attention through their very effective use of the Internet, social media. And we’re now seeing, for example, AQAP in its most recent edition of “Inspire,” a whole chapter on how to build a non-metallic device, as well as this most recent public statement.
So, my concern is that these groups are actually competing for attention and for fund-raising and recruitment.
BORGER: And not only that, saying to their members, do it at home. You can do this at home, and you don’t need to travel.
JOHNSON: We’re in — we’re in a new phase, in that these groups are relying more and more on independent actors to become inspired, drawn to the cause, and…
BORGER: And the Internet, through the Internet.
JOHNSON: … carry out small-scale attacks on their own through their effective use of the Internet.
And so that’s why it’s critical that we work in the communities where these groups might be able to recruit to help develop the counternarrative, to build trust with law enforcement, with Homeland Security, with state and local law enforcement.
(CROSSTALK)
BORGER: So, how seriously are you taking this threat?
JOHNSON: I am very concerned about the serious potential threat of independent actors here in the United States.
We have seen this now in Europe. We have seen this in Canada.
BORGER: But specifically against the Mall of America.
JOHNSON: Any time a terrorist organization calls for an attack on a specific place, we have got to take that seriously.
And so, through our intelligence bulletins, through working with state and local law enforcement, through working with the FBI, we take this kind of thing very seriously.
BORGER: And I just want to read you one more thing on this. This is a statement from the Mall of America today: “Mall of America is aware of a threatening video that was released which included a mention and images of the mall. We take any potential threat seriously and respond appropriately. We have implemented extra security precautions. Some may be noticeable to guests, and others won’t.”
What are you telling Americans who might be planning a trip to the mall this Sunday?
JOHNSON: What we’re telling the public in general is, you have got to be vigilant.
We just revamped our If You See Something, Say Something campaign at the Super Bowl last month. And so public engagement, public awareness is critical. Americans should still feel that they are free to associate, they are free to go to public gatherings. But it’s critical that we have public awareness and public participation in our efforts.
BORGER: Are they safe in going to the Mall of America today, if you want to go take your kids to the Mall of America?
JOHNSON: I would say that, if anyone is planning to go to the Mall of America today, they have got to be particularly careful. And, as the statement you read indicates, there will be enhanced security there that will be apparent to people who are there.
BORGER: Federal security as well?
JOHNSON: There will be enhanced security.
But public vigilance, public awareness and public caution in situations like this is particularly important. And it’s the environment we’re in, frankly.
And it’s all the more reason why I need a budget. And I’m assuming you’re going to ask me about that.
