Citing a "confluence of events," House Homeland Security Chairman Mike McCaul said Americans
should heed the government's warning for Americans to be vigilant against terrorist attacks during July 4 celebrations next weekend.
"It is concerning," McCaul told
"Fox News Sunday. "There is a great deal of chatter, a high volume," he said of terrorist network communications.
He noted that a spokesman for the Islamic State (ISIS) has called for jihad during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan — currently under way – the one-year anniversary of the establishment of the ISIS caliphate and the American Independence Day holiday.
In addition to that confluence is the "Bloody Friday" attacks in France, Tunisia and Kuwait, all within hours of each other, in which ISIS claimed credit.
The warning to Americans was issued jointly by the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security and the National Counterterrorism Center.
"I think given these confluence of events we're being on the cautious side here to warn the public to remain vigilant," McCaul said, "to enjoy the Fourth of July parades, but remain vigilant during these celebrations."
Foiled terror plots have increased "exponentially" in the past year, McCaul said, because of Internet recruiting.
"I'm extremely concerned about the way the Syrian ISIS recruiters can use the Internet at lightning speed to recruit followers in the United States, with thousands of followers in the United States," he said, "And then activate them to do whatever they want to do, whether it's military installations, law enforcement or, possibly, a Fourth of July event parade."
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