Security Beefed Up Across US for July 4 Holiday

Security is tight across the United States as Americans get ready for the long Independence Day holiday coming after this week's terror attacks in Turkey and Bangladesh.

Law enforcement officials say there are no specific threats against the U.S. over the holiday.

But Central Intelligence Agency chief John Brennan warned after the triple suicide bombing at the Ankara airport that Islamic State may try the same thing in the U.S.

Armed police officers, many accompanied by dogs, are patrolling airports and train and bus stations.

There will also be increased security at large July Fourth gatherings in places such as Washington, New York and Chicago where hundreds of thousands gather to watch fireworks, listen to music and have picnics.

More than 1,200 newly sworn-in police officers in New York City will be put to work right away, along with the city's newly formed Critical Response Command, a heavily armed counterterrorism force.

The Department of Homeland Security is again reminding citizens to be alert, using its trademarked "if you see something, say something" slogan.
  voanews.com
1/7/16