FBI, NYPD assess possible terror attack intel

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York City Police Department say they are assessing the credibility of intelligence they have received suggesting a possible terror attack on Monday, the eve of Election Day.

CBS News first reported that  U.S. intelligence officials were warning al-Qaeda could be planning attacks in New York, Texas, and Virginia next week.

The report did not specify locations.

It wasn't immediately clear how the intelligence came to investigators' attention.  An NYPD spokesman says in a statement the information "lacks specificity."

In a statement, the FBI said it was working closely with law enforcement agencies and sharing intelligence reports.

Officials say they regularly assess all possible security threats ahead of major events.

Joint terrorism task forces across the country have been put on alert out of an abundance of caution.

“The counter-terrorism and homeland security communities remain vigilant and well-postured to defend against attacks here in the United States,” an unnamed senior FBI official was quoted by CBS News.

“The FBI, working with our federal, state and local counterparts, shares and assesses intelligence on a daily basis and will continue to work closely with law enforcement and intelligence community partners to identify and disrupt any potential threat to public safety,” the official said.

Intelligence about possible threats always spikes ahead of major events.

With the Associated Press