The Chicago Police Department stepped up presence at airports and transportation sites across the city Tuesday morning in response to the deadly terrorist attacks in Brussels, Belgium.
Interim Police Supt. John Escalante ordered the amped up security measures just after 7:30 a.m. after similar precautions in New York and Washington, DC. He noted the security measures are not in response to any specific threat.
“There is no current intelligence, threat or nexus to Chicago concerning the Brussels incident. However we prepare and have deployments in place to safeguard critical infrastructure,” Escalante said. “Due to the incidents this morning, we have increased our security posture (uniform and non-uniform) at the airports, public transportation systems and other high profile locations.”
The Chicago Department of Aviation said it was working with CPD to monitor intelligence about security issues.
"Safety and security are the highest priorities for the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA)," the department said in a statement. "At this time, the Department of Homeland Security National Operations Center is monitoring this event and updating all federal, state and local law enforcement agencies."
Metra also said it planned to step up patrols and add extra resources Tuesday.
"We are reminding passengers and personnel to be extra vigilant," the transit agency said in a statement. "We are also working with OEMC and the Dept. of Homeland Security. If you see something, say something."
At least 31 people were killed and scores wounded Tuesday after two explosions rocked the check-in zone of Brussels Airport and a third blast hit a metro station in the Belgian capital, in what appeared to be a coordinated attack, NBC News reported.
ISIS claimed responsibility for the attacks, a news agency affiliated with the group said.
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Although there is no credible threat to Chicago at this time, Escalante urged residents to be aware of their surroundings and call 911 to report any suspicious activity.
