OBAMA: COUNTRY WILL BE SECURE

No evidence of terrorist plot, president says

There is no specific and credible evidence that a Paris- style terrorist attack is being planned for the USA this holiday weekend, President Obama said Wednesday after meeting with national security aides.

“We are taking every possible step to keep our homeland safe,” Obama said after his meeting, adding that U. S. military, intelligence and law enforcement officials are “working overtime” .

As officials bolster security at the nation’s borders and airports, Obama urged Americans to go about their holiday activities as usual but to be vigilant about unusual activity.

“If you see something suspicious, say something,” Obama said. “That’s always helpful.”

The national security team briefed Obama “on our homeland security posture in the wake of the tragic attacks in Paris and as we enter the holiday season,” the White House said in a statement.

Shortly after the president’s remarks at the White House, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson echoed his message while boarding an Amtrak train at Union Station in Washington.

Speaking on one of the busiest travels days of the year, Johnson said government officials remain vigilant, and so should transportation passengers.

“Basically, they are reinforcing existing security measures,” he said. “It should be obvious to the public that there is a heightened presence in places like in Union Station here, at airports and other public gathering places. In general, we want to encourage people as the holiday season begins to travel, be with your families, celebrate the holidays, go to public events — and be vigilant and be aware.”

Homeland security officials stepped up their efforts in the wake of terrorist attacks Nov. 13 in Paris that killed at least 130 people. The Islamic State, which claimed responsibility for the attacks, made more threats against the United States and its allies.

President Obama EPA