Homeland Security steps up protection at several US federal buildings

The Department of Homeland Security is stepping up protection at federal buildings in Washington, D.C., and in other parts across the country, Secretary Jeh Johnson said on Tuesday.

"The reasons for this action are self-evident: the continued public calls by terrorist organizations for attacks on the homeland and elsewhere, including against law enforcement and other government officials, and the acts of violence targeted at government personnel and installations in Canada and elsewhere recently," said Johnson, who did not cite any specific threats to individual government buildings.

"Given world events, prudence dictates a heightened vigilance in the protection of U.S. government installations and our personnel," he continued.