WASHINGTON
Security measures were enhanced at various government buildings in Washington and other major U.S. cities following calls by terror groups for attacks on American facilities, officials announced Tuesday.
"I am announcing that I have directed the Federal Protective Service to enhance its presence and security at various U.S. government buildings in Washington, D.C., and other major cities and locations around the country," said Jeh Johnson, Secretary of Homeland Security.
The Federal Protective Service is responsible for the protection of more than 9,500 federal facilities owned or leased by the General Services Administration, through which 1.4 million visitors and occupants pass daily, according to a statement from Homeland Security.
Although ISIL has threated the U.S. for its ongoing airstrikes in Syria and Iraq, last week's terror attacks in Canada that killed two Canadian soldiers in separate incidents played a role in the decision.
"The reasons for this action are self-evident: the continued public calls by terrorist organizations for attacks on the homeland and elsewhere, including against law enforcement and other government officials, and the acts of violence targeted at government personnel and installations in Canada and elsewhere recently," Johnson said.
Johnson asked Americans to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to appropriate authorities.
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