Governor Abbott addresses terror threat to Texas days before Presidential election
Texas Governor Greg Abbott on Jan. 8, 2016
HOUSTON, TX - Federal officials investigate reports of Al-Quaeda attacks on day before U.S. election. There are reports of three states considered potential targets for the planned Monday attacks— New York, Texas and Virginia — for the planned Monday attacks. FBI's Houston Field Office has just released this statement about reports of possible attacks:
"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."
Governor Greg Abbott has also responded to the reports of a potential terror threat in Texas:
"My office is working with law enforcement officials and we are continuing to monitor the situation in close coordination with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Texans should go about their daily lives as usual, but remain vigilant over the next several days and report any suspicious activity to state or local law enforcement. The State of Texas will continue to do everything it can to ensure the safety and security of its citizens."
According to authorities, the New York Police Department and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey were alerted to the information, the local agencies said. The Port Authority, which operates airports, tunnels and bridges around New York City, will continue high levels of patrol, said spokesman Steve Coleman. He declined to offer details of the warning, but the police department said the threat report lacked specifics and was still being assessed. "We are aware of the information," the department said in a statement, adding that it was working with intelligence agencies and the Joint Terrorism Task Force.
An official with the Joint Terrorism Task Force said authorities were giving this potential threat more attention because of Election Day.
We'll bring you new updates as this investigation unfolds.