Officials in America’s urban centers, the latest being Chicago and New Orleans, are moving to heightened security measures ahead of New Year’s Eve celebrations following the disruption of multiple suspected terror plots in recent days, prompting warnings that large public gatherings remain vulnerable to both foreign and domestic terrorist attacks.
In Chicago, city officials have identified New Year’s Eve festivities, including the annual fireworks display at Navy Pier, as a potential target for terrorism, reported our friend Drew Berquist.
According to a joint assessment conducted by state, federal, and local authorities, reported by Mr. Berquist, the Navy Pier celebration was described as an “attractive target” due to the size of the crowd and the open nature of the venue.
The assessment concluded that there is no specific or credible threat tied to the Chicago event at this time.
However, officials warned that domestic and foreign extremists could view the gathering as an opportunity for attacks involving vehicles or drones.
Authorities cited the risk of car-ramming attacks and the potential use of unmanned aerial systems as ongoing concerns, consistent with tactics used in past attacks both domestically and abroad.
Chicago officials said law enforcement agencies will maintain an increased presence around Navy Pier and surrounding areas as part of standard precautionary measures for large-scale public events.
Channel 4WWL reported heightened security is planned for New Year’s Eve as the National Guard deploys to New Orleans.
The deployment comes amid heightened security tied to the anniversary of an ISIS-linked terrorist attack, where on Jan. 1, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. Army sergeant radicalized by ISIS, drove a rented pick-up truck through a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing 14 people.
As thousands of visitors and residents are expected to ring in the New Year in New Orleans on Jan. 1, Governor Landry requested 350 National Guard troops to support law enforcement during the upcoming events, including providing security for New Year’s Eve, the Sugar Bowl, and Mardi Gras.
“When you talk to people that come to visit the Quarter to enjoy the Quarter in the downtown area, they appreciate the secure presence,” said Governor Landry.
Guard members currently serving in Washington, D.C., are expected to return to Louisiana for the mission. Troops are expected to remain in place through the end of February, reported WWL's Kenny Kuhn.
Other major urban centers are also on increased alert, New York’s ABC News 7 reported a new threat assessment for Times Square on New Year's Eve is pointing to lone wolves and small groups.
ABC News obtained a copy of a report which was compiled by the FBI and Homeland Security. It says domestic extremists and violent actors who support foreign terror groups remain the two most persistent threats.
"Lone offenders remain a particular concern due to their frequent ability to avoid detection until operational," the assessment said. "al-Qa'ida and ISIS, and their supporters, continue to demonstrate an interest in targeting special events in the Homeland, as well as US officials and other perceived enemies."
The document said New York remains an "aspirational target" and the Times Square celebration "an opportunity for obstruction and violence" because of its attendance and global audience, estimated at a billion people.
Law enforcement is being told to watch in particular for vehicle-ramming attacks, such as the one that killed 14 people in New Orleans last year.
Although ABC 7 reported the assessment says there are no specific threats, New Orleans was on the target list of a group half a continent away.
A member of the California-based Black Lotus terrorist cell was under surveillance in Louisiana. Agents watched as the man, former U.S. Marine Micah Legnon, who says on social media he is a trans woman named Kateri, “load what appeared to be assault rifle and body armor,” as he texted the group “just in case,” and pointed his car down U.S. 90 toward New Orleans.
Legnon was pulled over in a car stop by deputies with the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office who recovered an assault rifle, a pistol, one gas canister, and body armor in his vehicle. A federal search warrant executed on Legnon’s residence revealed sniper training manuals, SWAT training manuals, assault rifles, and multiple rounds of ammunition.
Another "aspirational target" of Muslim terrorist cells is Las Vegas, which has featured prominently in ISIS recruitment videos and other propaganda going back to at least 2016.
One video called for lone wolf attacks, and several Las Vegas Strip properties were prominently displayed.
U.S. intelligence agencies discovered the new video on an ISIS website, reported ABC30.com. That 2017 video was the second time ISIS has targeted Las Vegas in its recruitment videos. The first time was in June of 2016, and authorities have offered no indication the threat has diminished.
Our best advice to our friends is don’t let the terrorists win by staying home, but keep your head on a swivel – be alert for unattended backpacks and packages, stay away from unsecured streets and if you see something, say something to security and law enforcement officials.
George Rasley is editor of Richard Viguerie's ConservativeHQ.com and is a veteran of over 300 political campaigns. A member of American MENSA, he served on the staff of Vice President Dan Quayle, as Director of Policy and Communication for former Congressman Adam Putnam (FL-12) then Vice Chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee's Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs, and as spokesman for retired Rep. Mac Thornberry formerly a member of the House Intelligence Committee and Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.
In Chicago, city officials have identified New Year’s Eve festivities, including the annual fireworks display at Navy Pier, as a potential target for terrorism, reported our friend Drew Berquist.
According to a joint assessment conducted by state, federal, and local authorities, reported by Mr. Berquist, the Navy Pier celebration was described as an “attractive target” due to the size of the crowd and the open nature of the venue.
The assessment concluded that there is no specific or credible threat tied to the Chicago event at this time.
However, officials warned that domestic and foreign extremists could view the gathering as an opportunity for attacks involving vehicles or drones.
Authorities cited the risk of car-ramming attacks and the potential use of unmanned aerial systems as ongoing concerns, consistent with tactics used in past attacks both domestically and abroad.
Chicago officials said law enforcement agencies will maintain an increased presence around Navy Pier and surrounding areas as part of standard precautionary measures for large-scale public events.
Channel 4WWL reported heightened security is planned for New Year’s Eve as the National Guard deploys to New Orleans.
The deployment comes amid heightened security tied to the anniversary of an ISIS-linked terrorist attack, where on Jan. 1, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a U.S. Army sergeant radicalized by ISIS, drove a rented pick-up truck through a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing 14 people.
As thousands of visitors and residents are expected to ring in the New Year in New Orleans on Jan. 1, Governor Landry requested 350 National Guard troops to support law enforcement during the upcoming events, including providing security for New Year’s Eve, the Sugar Bowl, and Mardi Gras.
“When you talk to people that come to visit the Quarter to enjoy the Quarter in the downtown area, they appreciate the secure presence,” said Governor Landry.
Guard members currently serving in Washington, D.C., are expected to return to Louisiana for the mission. Troops are expected to remain in place through the end of February, reported WWL's Kenny Kuhn.
Other major urban centers are also on increased alert, New York’s ABC News 7 reported a new threat assessment for Times Square on New Year's Eve is pointing to lone wolves and small groups.
ABC News obtained a copy of a report which was compiled by the FBI and Homeland Security. It says domestic extremists and violent actors who support foreign terror groups remain the two most persistent threats.
"Lone offenders remain a particular concern due to their frequent ability to avoid detection until operational," the assessment said. "al-Qa'ida and ISIS, and their supporters, continue to demonstrate an interest in targeting special events in the Homeland, as well as US officials and other perceived enemies."
The document said New York remains an "aspirational target" and the Times Square celebration "an opportunity for obstruction and violence" because of its attendance and global audience, estimated at a billion people.
Law enforcement is being told to watch in particular for vehicle-ramming attacks, such as the one that killed 14 people in New Orleans last year.
Although ABC 7 reported the assessment says there are no specific threats, New Orleans was on the target list of a group half a continent away.
A member of the California-based Black Lotus terrorist cell was under surveillance in Louisiana. Agents watched as the man, former U.S. Marine Micah Legnon, who says on social media he is a trans woman named Kateri, “load what appeared to be assault rifle and body armor,” as he texted the group “just in case,” and pointed his car down U.S. 90 toward New Orleans.
Legnon was pulled over in a car stop by deputies with the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office who recovered an assault rifle, a pistol, one gas canister, and body armor in his vehicle. A federal search warrant executed on Legnon’s residence revealed sniper training manuals, SWAT training manuals, assault rifles, and multiple rounds of ammunition.
Another "aspirational target" of Muslim terrorist cells is Las Vegas, which has featured prominently in ISIS recruitment videos and other propaganda going back to at least 2016.
One video called for lone wolf attacks, and several Las Vegas Strip properties were prominently displayed.
U.S. intelligence agencies discovered the new video on an ISIS website, reported ABC30.com. That 2017 video was the second time ISIS has targeted Las Vegas in its recruitment videos. The first time was in June of 2016, and authorities have offered no indication the threat has diminished.
Our best advice to our friends is don’t let the terrorists win by staying home, but keep your head on a swivel – be alert for unattended backpacks and packages, stay away from unsecured streets and if you see something, say something to security and law enforcement officials.
George Rasley is editor of Richard Viguerie's ConservativeHQ.com and is a veteran of over 300 political campaigns. A member of American MENSA, he served on the staff of Vice President Dan Quayle, as Director of Policy and Communication for former Congressman Adam Putnam (FL-12) then Vice Chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee's Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs, and as spokesman for retired Rep. Mac Thornberry formerly a member of the House Intelligence Committee and Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.
