A Look At MOA Security In Wake Of Video Threat
BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (WCCO) — Two days after a video from a terror group targeted the Mall of America, security experts there gave WCCO-TV a never-before-seen look at how they're keeping shoppers safe.
On Saturday, the terrorist organization al-Shabaab put out a video naming the Mall of America as one its targets for future attacks against western interests. The video came on the heels of a three-day conference at the White House where security experts and Muslim leaders talked about ways to counter terror recruitment.
"This was a threat against Minneapolis," said Minneapolis councilman Abdi Warsame, speaking of the video. "It was a threat against the state of Minnesota, which has the largest Somali-American population."
Warsame was among those at the White House conference. He thinks the video was an angry reaction as terrorists see their influence diminishing.
"The fact they made this threat…shows we're doing the right thing," he said.
For the mall, its priority is sending a message reassuring shoppers that their safety is paramount. Regardless of the nature of the threat, a sophisticated security system is constantly on watch and ready to respond.
On Monday morning, mall shoppers and store keepers went into a routine, monthly lockdown. It was a drill that just happened to coincide with Saturday's threat from Al-Shabaab.
Under the floors and out of view, cameras are constantly monitored. Director of Security Doug Reynolds says nothing can be overlooked.
Some 42 million shoppers come to the mall each year. Security said it's vital they are reassured that America's mall is both safe and secure.
To see some of the inner workings of the mall's security, watch the video above.