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U.S. airports, transit centers to step up security over holiday weekend, homeland security chief says

Xinhua, July 1, 2016 Adjust font size:

U.S. Homeland Security chief Jeh Johnson said on Thursday enhanced security presence were expected at U.S. airports and other domestic transit centers over the July 4 weekend after the deadly Istanbul terror attack.

"The American public should expect to see this July 4th weekend an enhanced security presence at airports, train stations and other transit centers across the country by TSA (Transportation Security Administration) and state and local law enforcements, as well as security personnel generally," said Johnson here at a congressional hearing.

"We will not shortcut aviation security in response to increased travel volume and longer wait times," Johnson added.

Meanwhile, Johnson warned that the federal government and the U.S. public should not only focus attention on transportation security.

"As we said in our national terrorism advisory system bulletin issued just about two weeks ago, we are concerned and focused generally on public events and public places across the nation," said Johnson.

At least 42 people were killed and more than 200 others injured in explosions that hit Ataturk Airport in Istanbul, Turkey on Tuesday.

As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks. However, Johnson said on Wednesday that the attack "has the hallmarks of an attack" by the extremist group, the Islamic State.

Johnson also confirmed that one U.S. citizen was injured in the airport attack. Endit