WASHINGTON - The Department of Homeland Security is closely monitoring the developments in Paris. Officials tell us there is no known credible threat to the United States, but they are stepping up security in D.C. and in other major cities across the country.
There was a visible police presence on Capitol Hill Friday night, and FOX 5's Alexandra Limon saw extra U.S. Secret Service agents around the White House as well. However, government officials stress that there is no imminent threat to our area.
Meanwhile, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has been briefed by Police Chief Cathy Lanier and senior District officials. In a statement, the mayor's office said Lanier has been in regular communication with federal and regional law enforcement officials. Out of an abundance of caution, the District has deployed additional officers to French-owned sites and other high-profile locations, including the French Embassy.
Lanier released a statement Saturday, reminding District residents to continue to be vigilant.
"I wanted to use this opportunity to remind everyone how important it is to always be on the lookout for suspicious activities and to promptly report them if observed. Simply reporting a suspicious activity, however small, may be the linchpin in disrupting a pending attack before it can be acted upon," her statement read. "With this said, let me be clear- there is no known, credible threat to Washington D.C, at this time. However, we must always remember that Washington will always be an attractive target to those wishing to do harm to us."
Captain Kimberly Schneider of the U.S. Capitol Police said in an email that "enhanced patrols through the Capitol Campus may be observed, conducted out of an abundance of caution. There is currently no known threat to the Capitol Campus."
Metro said they are actively monitoring the events in Paris, and they are coordinating with federal law enforcement. They are asking passengers to report anything suspicious to Metro Transit Police.