DHS beefs up security at federal buildings

Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson is directing government buildings around the country to enhance security measures in light of terror threats against the U.S.

“The reasons for this action are self-evident: the continued public calls by terrorist organizations for attacks on the homeland and elsewhere, including against law enforcement and other government officials, and the acts of violence targeted at government personnel and installations in Canada and elsewhere recently,” he explained in a statement Tuesday.

{mosads}”Given world events, prudence dictates a heightened vigilance in the protection of U.S. government installations and our personnel,” he added. 

Johnson warned in particular against “potential small-scale attacks by a lone offender or a small group of individuals.” 

The Federal Protective Service will enhance its presence and security at government buildings in Washington, D.C., and other major cities and locations around the country. 

The move follows a spate of so-called lone-wolf terror attacks in Canada and New York last week by converts to radical Islam. 

In one incident, a man tried to run over two Canadian soldiers with a vehicle, killing one. Days later, in a separate attack, a man shot a Canadian soldier in Ottawa before running into the country’s parliament building, where he was killed by security personnel after a firefight.

In the U.S. last week, a man wielding a hatchet attacked four police officers in New York City.

The Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has also urged militants to attack the U.S. and Western targets.

Johnson urged state and local governments, and law enforcement personnel, as well as those operating critical infrastructure, to be equally vigilant. 

“Likewise, we continually urge the public at large to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to appropriate authorities,” he added.