There is no “specific, credible intelligence” that ISIS or ISIS sympathizers are planning to hit Americans or U.S. soil over the 4th of July weekend, even though Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson called last week for increased vigilance, according to White House spokesman Josh Earnest.
Such warnings are “not uncommon” and “part of our standard operating procedure,” Earnest added. However, the Homeland Security Department has made “a number of security adjustments” recently, including “enhanced screening at select overseas airports and increased random searches of passengers and carry-on luggage on flights in-bound to the U.S.,” Earnest said.
“We are encouraging all law enforcement to be vigilant and prepared,” over the 4th of July weekend, Johnson said on Friday in a statement about recent terrorist attacks in France, Tunisia and Kuwait. “We will also adjust security measures, seen and unseen, as necessary to protect the American people.”
“We continue to encourage all Americans to attend public events and celebrate this country during this summer season, but always remain vigilant,” Johnson added.
Earnest said the intelligence agencies have long identified “lone-wolf” attacks like the one carried out a French factory last week as some of the most dangerous and difficult to prevent.
