WASHINGTON - Security conditions at US military bases were raised Thursday night, because of growing concern of a jihadist threat in the U.S.
It comes hours after FBI Director James Comey raised the prospect there are thousands of ISIS followers online in the U.S.
"We have the same concern about the potential threat posed by violent homegrown extremists," said Captain Jeff Davis, spokesman for the U.S. Northern Command which oversees all U.S. military installations in the continental U.S. The order was signed by Admiral William Gortney, head of the command.
US Submarine base in New London tells Fox CT that they always maintain a consistent anti-terror level of protection consistent with known and perceived threats.
Military bases are now at what’s called “Force Protection Bravo.” It’s the third highest threat level on a five-tier scale. According to the Department of Defense, this means there’s an “increased and predictable threat of terrorism targeting military bases.”
“They've made it clear that they have intentions on bringing the fight to American shores,” says Sen. Chris Murphy. For that reason, Murphy said this increase is needed. “New London is always going to be at the top of that list. You've got some of our most important assets there. You've got nuclear assets there,” said Murphy.
Fox CT also spoke with Sen. Richard Blumenthal, and he urged residents in Connecticut to remember this is not just the military’s issue. “ We need to be vigilant. We need to be vigorous as a country. Not panicking, not overreacting, but making sure we can defend our bases,” said Blumenthal.
