(Updated at noon) Arlington County police say they’re aware of a reported threat to shopping centers in Northern Virginia.
News about the threat initially broke early this afternoon. Fairfax County’s police chief subsequently said information had been received by law enforcement about “potential public safety impacts to malls and shopping centers across the region.”
An Arlington police spokeswoman, responding to an inquiry from ARLnow, described the threat as “non-specific” and “unconfirmed,” but said ACPD is “deploying increased police resources” this weekend.
“The Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) is aware of information circulating regarding an non-specific, unconfirmed threat to shopping centers,” said spokeswoman Ashley Savage. “There is no specific or identified threat to our region.”
“As always, the public is encouraged to remain attentive as you go about your normal routine, particularly in areas where large crowds of people typically gather such as shopping centers, restaurant districts, religious services, and public transportation hubs to name a few,” she continued. “If you observe suspicious behavior or situations, report for police investigation by calling the Emergency Communications Center at 703-558-2222 or 9-1-1 in an emergency.”
Savage said the department “is deploying increased police resources in Arlington County, to include both visible and non-visible assets, during the Halloween weekend and continues to work collaboratively with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners on information sharing.”
CBS News and Fox 5 have both reported that the threat may have been made by the terror group ISIS.
More via Twitter:
https://twitter.com/MikevWUSA/status/1454121485321359369
Davis did not provide details about where the information came from but advised the public to "be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity."
He called it a "regional matter." https://t.co/zLrr1f4YuM
— 7News DC (@7NewsDC) October 29, 2021