Chicago emergency officials said Thursday there is "no credible threat" of a terrorist attack in Chicago on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, but asked citizens to be observant of any suspicious activity. Possible threats in New York and Washington, D.C. are currently under investigation.
The White House says that information of a potential threat to New York City and the nation's capital was gathered during the raid that killed Osama bin Laden, according to Fox Chicago. Chicago was not mentioned specifically in the threat, but there are reports that the FBI and Homeland Security sent a bulletin to 18,000 law enforcement agencies across the country warning about the potential plot and encouraging heightened security measures.
In Chicago, those measures include towing more unattended vehicles, Fox reports.
Amid fears that high-trafficked transit areas could be targeted, Amtrak is also beefing up its security this weekend by increasing its canine explosive detection unit, upping passenger and bag screenings and expanding police patrols, according to NBC Chicago.
Officials say that intelligence gathered on the raid provides credible but unconfirmed information about a possible al Qaeda plot targeting New York, ABC reports. The threat involves three individuals, including at least one American citizen, who flew into the U.S. in August.
In the aftermath of the 2001 attacks on New York and Washington, D.C., many were concerned that Chicago would also be targeted. As the 10-year anniversary of the attacks approaches, authorities are again recommending the city exercise caution.
“While there is no credible threat to the city at this time, we remain vigilant,” the City of Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications said in a press release. "We encourage residents to also remain alert, and call 911 if they witness any suspicious or unusual activity."
WATCH Chicagoans react to the heightened terror alert in the city this weekend:
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