DHS chief Jeh Johnson ordered the measures earlier this week in response to the terror attacks in Paris. Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley/Navy
Why You May Have Noticed Beefed Up Security at Your Federal Office
It’s not because of any “specific, credible” threat.
Noticed more security guards in your federal office lately?
You’re not paranoid.
Homeland Security Department Secretary Jeh Johnson announced this week the agency would ramp up security at federal buildings in response to the terror attacks in Paris last week. Johnson emphasized that there is no “specific, credible intelligence” of any threat on U.S. soil, and his decision is purely precautionary.
Public threats by terrorist organizations, however, have focused on “aircraft, military personnel, and government installations and civilian personnel,” he said.
Johnson has asked the Federal Protective Service to enhance its presence at government buildings in Washington, D.C., and other “major cities and locations around the country.” The secretary declined to elaborate on the exact locations, calling them law enforcement sensitive. He added sites of focus will shift and be reevaluated regularly.
The enhanced security builds on a similar DHS initiative launched in October, Johnson said, when a gunman in Canada shot and killed government personnel at a war memorial and the Parliament building.
“We urge Americans to continue to travel, attend public events, and freely associate with others,” Johnson said. “However, given world events, this is a time for heightened vigilance by federal, state and local governments; critical infrastructure owners and operators; as well as the public.”