Holiday weekend terror threat targets law enforcement

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Homeland security is on alert after the FBI warned of a possible terrorist attack against law enforcement over the holiday weekend.

Officials with the Indianapolis Dept. of Homeland Security (IDHS) said Indianapolis isn’t specifically involved in the threat, but that doesn’t mean they plan to take it lightly.

The alert comes as investigators work to thwart a number of ISIS inspired plots.

There was a planned attack earlier this month on police officers in Boston. In New York, there was suspect who attacked an FBI agent with a kitchen knife. Those incidents led to the recent warning.

The U.S. Homeland Security secretary urged all police to be vigilant and prepare. Police will be out in force in downtown Indy, specifically by the Indiana War Memorial and American Legion Mall. But instead of just watching the crowds, officers will have to watch out for each other.

In downtown Indy, patriotism is on display and in a few days it will be celebrated. “I will be on the roof top of my building watching the fireworks,” said Remington O’Guin, an Indianapolis resident.

And when his eyes are on the sky, police will have their eyes on everyone else while out on patrol and back at the Regional Operations Center for the IDHS.

From their headquarters, IDHS can monitor dozens of surveillance cameras that watch over downtown. But there’s also cameras looking over the Indiana War Memorial and American Legion Mall.

“Typically we don’t have access to the war memorial cameras,” said Bates.

But they will on the Fourth of July, since thousands of people will be there for the festivities.

And while officers look out for the public they’ll also be looking over their shoulders. Last week, the FBI sent out an alert warning that law enforcement  could be a terrorist target.

“Anytime you’re in a uniform, you’re somewhat of a target, you stand out obviously. And same with our military folks. I mean the threat is still there for the military,” said Bates.

“We shouldn’t have to worry about our men in uniform and our police officers being worried about a terrorist threat to themselves. I mean it’s (the) Fourth of July and they’re part of the reasons why we’re celebrating it,” said O’Guin.

Bates said while the threat doesn’t specifically involve Indianapolis, they will take it seriously. But worrying about themselves isn’t their number one priority.

“Public safety is job one, call it what you want but we have to maintain public safety, public order, and keep people safe,” he said.

Bates added that security efforts will be ramped up downtown like they normally would for the Fourth of July, regardless if there’s a concern for terrorists. He said people should expect to see IMPD bike patrols and mounted patrols. There will also be extra officers on handle to manage traffic. Undercover officers will also be walking throughout the crowd.

IDHS uses an acronym for the word “ALERT” to teach people how to spot a potential terrorist, specifically someone who might be carrying a bomb.

Alone

Loose or bulky clothing

Exposed wires

Rigid midsection

Tightened or clenched fists

Anyone who spots someone who looks or fits part of that description, should call 911.