Terror Plot Uncovered Overseas Names Chicago As Potential Target
(CBS) -- Chicago may be an ISIS target, media reports out of Switzerland say.
Geneva is already stepping up security outside the United Nations. Besides Chicago, also mentioned as a possible North American target is Toronto, Canada.
CBS 2 Chief Correspondent Jay Levine reports Chicago has long been a target of terrorists since President Obama was first elected -- first by Al Qaeda, and now ISIS.
Authorities say the threat in Switzerland is specific, but it's less so for Chicago and Toronto.
While Swiss authorities are on alert, they are not cancelling activities like Geneva's popular costume parade scheduled for this weekend.
Still, the intelligence generated by U.S. assets overseas and shared with the Swiss indicated "extremists also discussed the idea of launching attacks in Chicago and Toronto."
A spokesman for the FBI in Chicago said the agency is aware of the information.
"While we are aware of no specific or credible threat to Chicago at this time, the FBI remains vigilant," a spokesperson said.
Chicago police are taking no extreme measures yet.
"We are in contact with our federal law enforcement partners, as we always are, and we are not aware of any credible or specific threats to Chicago. Residents should always remain vigilant, and you see something, say something," Adam Collins, a spokesman for Mayor Emanuel, said Friday.
Past plots involving Chicago include the aborted attack on the Willis Tower; the explosive copier cartridges destined for Chicago but intercepted in Yemen; and the underwear bomber who flew to Detroit because airfares to Chicago were too high.
In each of those cases there were more specifics than authorities had Friday.