In a Department of Homeland Security warning obtained by News4, the agency says that al-Qaida has contemplated attacking the United States on Independence Day.
DHS says intelligence indicates the terrorist organization's leadership discussed large attacks on symbolic dates for Americans, including the 4th of July. The advisory did not identify a specific threat.
Around the Capital, authorities are gearing up.
Metro says on the 4th, they will have "all hands on deck," meaning increased security personnel throughout the system. The transit agency expects double normal ridership, up to 600,000 passengers. Random bag checks will be conducted.
D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton said Washington is always on alert. "The security people will not tell you how many people are out here," she told News4's John Schriffen on the National Mall. "But having uncovered what bin-Laden had in mind, there will be security in keeping with what we heard."
