Jeh Johnson: 'No specific, credible intelligence' of terror plot in U.S.

By Andrea Noble - The Washington Times - Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Security was stepped up at U.S. airports and transit systems even as authorities said they have not detected any plans for an attack similar to Tuesday’s bombings at a Brussels airport and subway system.

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said Tuesday that no credible or specific intelligence regarding a similar plot has been uncovered.

“That said, we remain very focused on the threat posed by lone terrorist actors who may lack direct connection to a foreign terrorist organization; we are concerned that such radicalized individuals or small groups could carry out an attack in the Homeland with little warning,” Mr. Johnson said.

Nevertheless, the State Department issued a travel alert Tuesday night, advising Americans of the “risks of travel to and throughout Europe” for the next 90 days.

In its statement, the department said terrorist groups “continue to plan” further attacks in the wake of Tuesday’s Brussels bombings and said Americans should be particularly vigilant when “in public places” especially “during religious holidays and at large festivals or events.”Top military and Justice Department officials have all been briefed on the bombings in Brussels, which killed more than 30 people and injured hundreds of others including at least eight Americans.

Despite the explosions that rocked the Belgian capital, Homeland Security officials said they were not issuing any new terror intelligence bulletins or revising the terror alert level in the United States. Mr. Johnson rolled out the new National Terrorism Advisory System in December following the terrorist attacks in San Bernardino, California and Paris.

Mr. Johnson said that since the Paris attacks, Homeland Security has “enhanced information sharing about potential terrorist threats with both Belgian and French authorities.”

As a precaution following the Brussels attacks, the Transportation Security Administration is deploying additional security to major airports, various rail and transit station across the U.S.

At least one Senate Democrat warned that more should be done, noting that the attacks should push the U.S. to also increase screening of aviation workers and pump more federal money into transit.

Sen. Charles E. Schumer said Tuesday that airport screeners need better training to focus on terrorist threats, and said airport workers themselves need to be vetted better to make sure terrorists aren’t able to sneak into sensitive places by infiltrating that workforce.

Around the country, local police in cities including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. also deployed additional officers to high profile locations and areas where crowds are known to congregate.

Tuesday’s three explosions at a Belgian airport and subway station killed more than 30 people and injured at least 200 others.

Two explosions, least one of which was likely caused by a suicide bomber, hit the departures area of the Belgian capital’s main international airport during the busy morning rush, collapsing the ceiling and sending panicked travelers rushing for cover.

A third blast, roughly an hour later, hit a subway train as it was traveling through a tunnel beneath the city, not far from the complex of European Union office buildings.

Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, who was testifying before the House Armed Services Committee just hours after the explosions rocked the Belgian capital, said the U.S. is ready to provide assistance and support to European allies in the wake of the attacks.

Attorney General Loretta Lynch condemned the attacks Tuesday, calling them an “appalling assault” and said that Justice Department officials were in contact with their European and Belgian counterparts to offer “any and all assistance that we can bring to bear.”

“In the days ahead, we will continue to work with law enforcement abroad in order to help ensure those responsible are brought to justice,’’ Ms. Lynch said.

“If the intent of this attack’s perpetrators was to sow conflict and discord — to stoke mistrust and spread fear — they have failed,” she added. “Today and every day, the people of the United States are joined with our friends in Belgium and around the world in love, compassion and resolve. The words on Belgium’s coat of arms speak for us all: ’L’Union Fait La Force.’ Unity Makes Strength.”

⦁ Stephen Dinan contributed to this report.

• Andrea Noble can be reached at anoble@washingtontimes.com.