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‘Don't change your holiday plans,’ US Homeland Security tells citizens

Jeh Johnson said there is no specific credible intelligence about threat to New York

New York: US Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson on Monday urged Americans to not change their plans for the upcoming Thanksgiving weekend holiday despite the recent terror attack in Paris.

"We have no specific credible intelligence about a threat of the Paris type directed at the homeland here," said Johnson, speaking on NBC's Meet the Press.

"With this holiday season coming up we want the public to continue to go to public events, celebrate the holiday season, travel, be with their families and the like," Johnson said.

Officials are expecting three million people at the annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade in New York City. "It's going to be a great event and it will be a safe and secure event," he said.

Johnson, however, cautioned that officials "are always concerned about potential copycat homegrown violent extremism of the type we have seen in recent month and years." New York officials have urged residents to stay calm following the release of a video from the Islamic State jihadist group threatening to attack the city.

Mayor Bill de Blasio and Police Commissioner Bill Bratton even went to Times Square in the middle of the night recently to reassure residents.

"There is no specific and credible threat against New York City. So it's crucial that people go about their normal business," de Blasio said.

"We understand that we are a terrorist target," Bratton said. "But do not be afraid. The NYPD will protect you."

( Source : PTI )
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