JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The FBI said the Bureau stopped several potential acts of violence in the month before the Fourth of July weekend. FBI Director James Comey said more than 10 people were arrested during that time in several states who were planning acts of violence tied to the holiday.
"I have hundreds of these investigations in every single state, and we have disrupted very serious efforts to kill people in the United States," Comey said.
Former police officer and News4Jax Crime and Safety Analyst Gil Smith said he applauds the efforts of national and local FBI agents. He also has concerns about the continuing threat from homegrown terrorists.
News4Jax also spoke with Toni Chrabot, who spent 24 years with the Bureau until retiring from the Jacksonville office in May.
"First off, a lot of pride; I know the men and women, how hard they're working, being vigilant every day, that's first and foremost. The other is concern, that it is a continuing threat. We cannot be complacent," Chrabot said.
"So my big concern is yes, they did stop about 10 of these attacks, that's great. But at some point, one or two of these attacks may slip through and may be carried out," Smith said.
Chrabot seems concerned about that as well and reminds people that it's not on federal agents alone to protect our communities or our country.
"When you see suspicious activity of any sort, report it. I don't think people should hesitate to report it," Chrabot said. "I still watch and look and encourage my friends to do the same."
The FBI director would not detail how many plots the Bureau uncovered or exactly how many suspects they arrested. Comey said there were targets coast to coast and calls from ISIS, inviting sympathizers to attack in any way possible.
Comey also said what the United States is doing to try and degrade ISIS online is "clearly not enough."