Authorities On Alert For Possible Terrorist Attacks On Fourth Of July
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — This holiday weekend, law enforcement agencies throughout Southern California will be on alert over possible terror threats after an ISIS leader recently called on his followers to strike.
According to the FBI, Los Angeles is one of the nation's top three potential targets.
"L.A. fits the same profile as cities like New York, you know. New York, L.A., Washington D.C. -- they sort of all three have this iconic presence across the world," Stephen Woolery, FBI special agent-in-charge of the LA field office's counterterrorism division, said.
Independence Day falls right in the middle of Ramadan – an Islamic month of fasting – and it is a time ISIS has identified for its followers to commit terrorist acts around the world.
"It's sort of the perfect storm of this call to arms," Woolery said.
Terrorist groups like ISIS are using encrypted programs on social media and smartphones to recruit homegrown terrorists in the United States, making it difficult for the FBI to identify who, when or where an attack might occur, Woolery said.
Authorities will need help from the public this Fourth of July.
"If you think there's something suspicious, we're asking for you to let us know and then we'll take it from there," he said.
Anyone who sees suspicious activity that needs immediate attention should call 911.