Feds stop attack plan, says pol
The United States has disrupted a plot against Pope Francis in advance of his visit later this month to New York, Philadelphia and Washington, DC, the head of the House Homeland Security Committee said Sunday.
“We are monitoring very closely threats against the pope as he comes into the United States,” Rep. Mike McCaul (RTexas) told ABC’s “This Week.” “We have disrupted one particular case.”
Francis starts his sixday US tour on Sept. 22 when he lands in Washington, DC. He will visit the White House, lead a papal parade and have a public appearance on the West Front of the Capitol.
McCaul, who has been briefed by the Secret Service “in a classified setting” about the pope’s visit, said the most challenging aspect for security officials is the manofthepeople pontiff ’s tendency to wander in public spaces.
“I’m concerned,” McCaul said. “He is a very passionate man. He likes to get out with the people. And with that comes a large security risk . . . But as that date approaches, I think we’re all very vigilant to protect him as he comes into the United States.”
McCaul, who would not divulge specifics of the thwarted plot, also raised the prospect of lonewolf attacks such as the ones inspired by ISIS and other terror groups.
Secret Service Director Joseph Clancy traveled to Rome to study Vatican security and lead efforts with local law enforcement.
Francis draws huge crowds and he loves to be able to interact with them — posing what Clancy has previously called a “tremendous” security challenge.
The NYPD will be working closely with the Secret Service to make sure the pope is safe when he comes to the city on Sept. 25 for a visit to the United Nations and Ground Zero before holding a Holy Mass at Madison Square Garden.
Lawenforcement sources told The Post that the pope’s destination will be thoroughly checked and secured in the “highest security setting.”
“He’ll probably have even more people than the president, because he’s going on an extended tour,” one lawenforcement source said. “We will sweep every tree and bush, and frisk every squirrel.”
Francis is set to visit Central Park, which the NYPD and Secret Service will flood with officers, as well as deploy helicopters overhead, place boats along FDR Drive, ready counterassault teams, hazmat teams, bomb dogs, radiation sensors, snipers and the Swiss Guard.
After his stop in New York City, Francis heads to Philadelphia, where he will hold a Mass and visit a correctional facility.