Massachusetts State Police Plan 'Enhanced Staffing' For Election Day
BOSTON (CBS) – Massachusetts State Police plan to have "enhanced staffing" leading up to Election Day, though the security plans were already in place before a Friday report by CBS News that U.S. intelligence recently alerted joint terrorism task forces of potential planned attacks by al Qaeda.
According to CBS News, it is believed that New York, Texas, and Virginia are possible targets for attacks, though no specific locations are mentioned.
State Police told WBZ-TV's Christina Hager that the plan at a local level is to have "high-visibility patrols and additional troopers pre-staged in certain locations able to respond quickly to any incidents if they occur."
"This plan was in place before the revelation today of the potential threats in other states," police added.
The Massachusetts State Police Fusion Center will monitor intelligence about any disruptions, protests or threats surrounding Election Day.
In a statement, the FBI said it is working with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies to assure the public is safe.
The counterterrorism and homeland security communities remain vigilant and well-postured to defend against attacks here in the United States. The FBI and DHS, working with our federal, state and local counterparts, share and assess 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.
CBS News reported that an alert to local police earlier this week warned that polling places are seen as "attractive targets" for "lone wolf-type attacks."
Boston Police Commissioner William Evans is concerned with how the city might react to the election results. "It's been hotly contested, we'll have extra officers around should there be some groups acting out," Evans said.
CBS News reports