Police warn of potential threat during Halloween holiday

Police warn of potential threat during Halloween holiday

Fairfax County Sheriff's Department warned the public Friday of a potential threat to malls and shopping centers.

I learned that threats to many malls and shopping centers could be linked to an active ISIS cell.

We were told that the cell could attack within the next 72 hours.

Fairfax County Sheriff Kevin Davis held a press conference in which he said his department is taking the matter seriously.

"Because we have received value-added information for public safety, it is our responsibility to have a greater presence, be more aware and ask the community to peel their eyes and ears for more suspicious activities," Davis said.

Fairfax police talk about increased police presence over Halloween weekend

Fairfax Police provide information and answer questions about an increased police presence in the county over Halloween weekend.

FOX 5 asked President Davis what kind of threat or suspicious activity they heard about, and he was unable to go into details at the time.

At Fair Oaks Mall, officers were seen on foot patrolling the area and flashing blue lights from police cars. The same scene takes place in Tyson's Corner.

This is the kind of enhanced security people in Virginia can expect in malls and weekend shopping centers through the weekend and during Election Day.

President Davis said an increased police presence is typical during the holiday season.