Ahead of America’s 250th birthday, agencies are preparing for potential security threats on Fourth of July crowds and parade-goers.
National Security Efforts
The White House has announced the Salute to America 250 Celebration and Fireworks in Washington, D.C., which is expected to be one of the largest displays of patriotism in the world. Over a million people are expected to gather on the National Mall to hear President Donald Trump speak and watch the pyrotechnics display.
Jason Pack, a retired supervisory special agent with the FBI, stated that agencies have likely been preparing and coordinating for the event for weeks, if not months. He emphasized the importance of a whole-of-government approach to prevent potential threats from being missed.
Local Law Enforcement Preparations
Experts stress that smaller-scale events will also have amplified security. In 2022, a mass shooter opened fire on July Fourth parade-goers in Highland Park, Illinois, killing seven people and injuring 48 others. Robert Crimo III was sentenced to life without parole for the crime, which was committed with a semi-automatic rifle.
Fox News Contributor and former NYPD Legal Bureau Commanding Officer Paul Mauro urged local law enforcement to have safeguards in place to prevent tragedies. He emphasized the importance of communication between local agencies and larger organizations, such as the FBI and Homeland Security.
Mauro also noted that mass shootings are not the only risk to public safety. In 2021, Darrell Edward Brooks Jr. drove an SUV into crowds of people at the Waukesha Christmas parade, killing six people and injuring over 60 others. Brooks Jr. is currently serving six consecutive life sentences.
Another example of a vehicle-ramming attack occurred in 2017, when Sayfullo Saipov killed eight people and injured nearly 20 others when he rammed a truck into crowds of people at a Halloween parade in New York City. Saipov’s devotion to ISIS was his alleged motive, and he is currently serving eight life sentences in federal prison.
Prevention and Preparedness
Mauro argued that acknowledging the threat and implementing physical security measures can prevent much deadlier attacks. He noted that the use of fusion centers, which are located in various cities and larger urban areas, can help federal agencies and local police work together to thwart premeditated or organized attacks.
If you see or hear something suspicious ahead of the holiday, you can tip the FBI at tips.fbi.gov or by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). For an immediate threat, call 911.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
