The White House said Monday there was no credible terrorist threat against the Mall of America in Minnesota, and denied that Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson’s warning to shoppers was a scare tactic in the administration’s immigration funding battle with congressional Republicans.
“The intelligence community has said that they are not aware of any specific, credible plot against the Mall of America or any other domestic commercial shopping center here in the United States,” said White House press secretary Josh Earnest. “I think what the secretary is trying to say … is the American people should remain vigilant.”
The mixed message came after Mr. Johnson issued what sounded to many like an ominous warning on Sunday.
“If anyone is planning to go to the Mall of America today, they’ve got to be particularly careful,” Mr. Johnson said on CNN. “There will be enhanced security there, but public vigilance, public awareness and public caution in situations like this is particularly important, and it’s the environment we’re in, frankly.”
The Islamist terrorist group Al-Shabaab has heavily targeted recruiting efforts in the Minneapolis area, home to the largest Somali population in the U.S. The group’s leader was killed by the U.S. in an air strike in Somalia last year, and Al-Shabaab has vowed to avenge his death.
Asked by a reporter if Mr. Johnson’s warning was meant to “scare” lawmakers who have stalled homeland security funding, Mr. Earnest was succinct.
“No, it did not,” he said.
But Mr. Obama also told the nation’s governors Monday that the funding impasse over his temporary immigration amnesty would have “a direct impact on America’s national security” because border patrol agents and others won’t receive paychecks after the end of this month.
“Their hard work helps to keep us safe,” Mr. Obama said. “And as governors, you know that we can’t afford to play politics with our national security.”
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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