NEW YORK – U.S. intelligence has alerted joint terrorism task forces that al-Qaeda could be planning attacks in three states the Monday before the presidential election, CBS news reports.
Though no specific locations are mentioned, the three states targeted are reported to be in New York, Texas and Virginia, CBS network said sources told CBS News senior investigative producer Pat Milton.
U.S. authorities have not confirmed the credibility of these threats but CBS news reports that they are taking the threat seriously, and sources stressed the intelligence is still being assessed.
Counterterrorism officials were alerted to the threats out of an "abundance of caution."
From the CBS news report:
A senior FBI official told CBS News, “The counterterrorism and homeland security communities remain vigilant and well-postured to defend against attacks here in the United States. The FBI, working with our federal, state and local counterparts, shares and assesses intelligence on a daily basis and will continue to work closely with law enforcement and intelligence community partners to identify and disrupt any potential threat to public safety.”
Potential threats always increase during holiday seasons and when big events are approaching, intelligence said.
Increased security was already planned for Election Day, as federal law enforcement plan for “several worst-case scenarios.”
CBS 6 caught up with Virginia's Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Brian Moran at the Virginia State Police Academy graduation in Chesterfield Friday morning.
"We are taking all necessary precautions and actions," said Moran. "There's no reason to believe that we will have any disruptions prior to Election Day or on Election Day."
Moran said Democratic Vice Presidential Candidate Sen. Tim Kaine's event to Richmond on Monday has not been impacted.
"We are excited that Senator Kaine will be in Richmond on Monday," said Moran. "We have no reason to change those plans."
The exact time and location of Kaine's visit has not yet been announced.
