The FBI in Seattle currently has no specific, credible information to suggest any pending threat to the Seattle area ahead of New Year’s Eve.
CNN reports top security officials briefed President Barack Obama on threats facing the three major U.S. cities over year-end holidays: New York, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.
In the wake of the Paris and San Bernardino attacks, the FBI is boosting agents and staff in some of its 24-hour command centers – particularly in cities where high-profile events will take place such as New York's Time Square and the Rose Bowl festivities near L.A.
A spokeswoman released the following statement to KIRO 7:
“The FBI is always vigilant and, as we do every day, will continue to work with law enforcement partners to detect, disrupt, and dismantle any threats that may emerge."
“We are taking proactive steps to ensure personnel and resources are in place so we can immediately support our local partners, if necessary. As always, we will continue to monitor intelligence for any potential threats and continue to maintain communication with our local partners.”
Around 40,000 people are expected to watch fireworks from the Space Needle on New Year's Eve. A chain-link fence surrounds part of the landmark for safety precautions relating to fireworks and its debris.
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