MICHAEL LITTERST – Chief of Communications of National Parks Service

Topic: Fourth of July Safety

• While authorities insist there have been no specific threats, security has become a pressing concern in U.S. cities this holiday weekend after recent terror attacks overseas on so-called “soft targets” — events and facilities where large numbers of people gather.

• Washington, D.C., authorities also are making vehicle-related attacks a priority in security planning for July Fourth events such as the Smithsonian Folk Life Festival and A Capitol Fourth Show on the National Mall.

• The National Parks Service and U.S. Park Police, which oversee security operations for National Mall events, plan to place large fences around the Mall on Monday.