This is an interesting situation in that law enforcement agencies are sounding the alarm over "potential public safety impacts" to malls and shopping centers across the region, but are sharing very little with the general public except to say, be vigilant.

Earlier today, a single vague public statement was issued via social media:

FAIRFAX COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT

STATEMENT ON PUBLIC SAFETY IMPACT TO MALLS & SHOPPING CENTERS IN VIRGINIA

It is routine for information to be shared throughout the national capital region daily and we are always in real-time communication with federal and regional partners. Police patrols throughout Fairfax County have been increased for the Halloween weekend. This includes major thoroughfares, transit hubs, shopping plazas and malls. If anyone observes any suspicious activity, they can report it anonymously to 866.411.TIPS, text "FCCS" plus tip to 847411 or call 9-1-1 during an emergency.

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During a press conference this afternoon, Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis stated the following:

“Yesterday we received information concerning potential public safety impacts to malls and shopping centers across the region," Davis said. "You all know we take any and all information very seriously and as we work to corroborate it we have increased our police presence throughout the county to include major thoroughfares, shopping plazas, and shopping malls.”

Davis would not elaborate on the nature of the information received, even declining to specify if the threat was of foreign or domestic origin.

Additional coverage of this developing situation will be included in tomorrow's Threat Journal newsletter and podcast.