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Bulletin warns of potential July 4 terrorist attack

by Ben Kamisar - 06/26/15 5:07 PM ET

July 4, Independence Day, Terror Attack — Getty Images

Federal law enforcement agencies have issued a bulletin to local law enforcement warning of the potential of a terrorist attack on July 4, CNN is reporting.

The bulletin from the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI and the National Counterterrorism Center does not mention a specific plot, but says the threat should be elevated around Independence Day in case of an attack centered on the holiday or over the recent depiction of the Prophet Muhammad.

{mosads}The warning comes the same day as terrorist attacks in France, Kuwait and Tunisia. During his statement on those attacks, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson warned law enforcement to be “vigilant” around the holiday.

“Particularly with the upcoming July 4th holiday, here in the United States, the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI continue to communicate with state and local law enforcement about what we know and see,” he said.

“We are encouraging all law enforcement to be vigilant and prepared. We will also adjust security measures, seen and unseen, as necessary to protect the American people.”

The Justice Department has announced arrests or charges against six people this month for attempting to aid or join the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

In May, a local officer shot and killed two men who tried to attack an event in Texas that was holding a “Draw Muhammad” contest.