USA-JULY FOURTH/WASHINGTON-SECURITY Washington D.C. tightens security for July 4th weekend

Record ID: 148471

  • Title: USA-JULY FOURTH/WASHINGTON-SECURITY Washington D.C. tightens security for July 4th weekend
  • Date: 4th July 2015
  • Summary: HELICOPTER FLYING OVER CAPITOL GROUNDS POLICE OFFICERS RIDING BICYCLES RIDING ON THE NATIONAL MALL POLICE TOW TRUCKS SECURITY CHECK POINTS INSIDE TENTS NEAR THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT SECURITY TOWER PLACED NEAR THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT HELICOPTER FLYING NEAR THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT ARMORED VEHICLE PATROLLING (SOUNDBITE) (English) VINCENT SILIMI, VISITING WASHINGTON FROM CALIF
  • Embargoed: 19th July 2015 13:00
  • Keywords:
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVA8CD8RGW9XHALNPLVAIYKJM673
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Federal and local officials in Washington D.C. ramped up security on Saturday (July 4) amid concerns following unspecified threats during the Independence Day holiday weekend.
    The Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation have issued an alert calling for local authorities and the public to remain vigilant for possible threats following recent calls for violence by Islamic State militants.
    Last week, terror attacks in Tunisia, Kuwait and France prompted U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson to issue a statement calling for increased vigilance over the patriotic holiday in the United States.
    In Washington on the National Mall, nine security checkpoints were set up to screen the tens of thousands of visitors expected for fireworks and festivities. Coolers, backpacks and packages were subject to inspection, and about 18,000 feet of chain link fencing was installed according to the National Park Service.
    The National Mall, an open area west of the Capitol and site of a fireworks display was expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors.
    Vincent Silimi, a tourist visiting from California told Reuters he felt safe visiting Washington this holiday weekend.
    "I think this place is safer than Disneyland and I don't have any doubt about the security and everybody is doing a great job. I think people have to stop being afraid of the situation and start to come here and enjoy the day, it's once a year" Silimi said.
    The U.S. capital was jolted on Thursday (July 2) by the false report of a gunman at the Navy Yard military base that triggered a massive security response.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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