Islamist Terrorist Group Threatens to Attack Mall of America, Other Malls in Canada, U.K.
The Somali terrorist group al-Shabaab has threatened to launch attacks on the Mall of America in Minnesota and two other malls in Canada and the United Kingdom.
In a video released on Saturday, the group – responsible for attacking the Westgate mall in Nairobi, Kenya, that led to the death of more than 60 people – identified the Mall of America, West Edmonton Mall in Canada, and Oxford Street shopping district in the U.K. as its targets.
"I would say that if there's anyone planning to go to the Mall of America, then they've got to be particularly careful," Secretary Jeh Johnson of the Department of Homeland Security told CNN on Sunday.
On NBC's "Meet The Press" program, he said, "I'm not telling people to not go to the mall. I think there's need to be an awareness, there needs to be vigilance, be careful, obviously."
In a statement, Mall of America said it is aware of the video and is working with authorities.
"Mall of America is aware of a video that was recently released which included a mention and images of the Mall," the mall said. "We will continue to monitor events with the help of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. As always, we take any potential threat seriously and respond appropriately."
It said it has implemented enhanced security measures. "Mall of America has implemented extra security precautions, some may be noticeable to guests, and others won't be," the statement read. "We will continue to follow the situation, along with law enforcement, and will remain vigilant as we always do in similar situations. The safety and security of our guests, employees and tenants remains our top priority."
However, Homeland Security Department spokeswoman Marsha Catron said the F.B.I. and D.H.S. "are not aware of any specific, credible plot against the Mall of America or any other domestic commercial shopping center," according to Reuters.
Mall of America draws about 40 million visitors per year.
Meanwhile, Staff Sergeant Brent Meyer of Canada's Royal Canadian Mounted Police said "there is no evidence at this time of any specific or imminent threat to Canadians," Reuters added.