As DHS shutdown looms, Jeh Johnson Keeps Fear Alive With Terror Warning To Mall of America Customers

Doug Owen

Just as the DHS congressional Feb 27th budget deadline and possible shutdown nears, a conveniently timed new domestic terror alert was issued today by Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson. Two weeks ago Jeh Johnson also warned that a lapse in funding would cause a “terrible disruption,” and “A shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security in these times is frankly too bitter to contemplate, but we have to contemplate it.”

Could this be another politically motivated scare tactic being used against the US Congress and the American people? 

Watch What You Buy: DHS to Guide Retailers in Spotting Terrorists

DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson

Paul Lawrance 

Homeland Security Secretary, Jeh Johnson, announced that the Department of Homeland Security will be giving retailers guidance on how to spot a potential terrorist based on what a customer buys. The Washington Times reports: 

While saying the government cannot prohibit sales of some everyday materials, Mr. Johnson said retailers should be trained to look for anyone who buys a lot from what he described as a “long list of materials that could be used as explosive precursors.” 

He said it was an extension of the “If you see something, say something” campaign launched by his predecessor, former Secretary Janet Napolitano, which tries to enlist average Americans to be aware of their immediate environment. 

“We can’t and we shouldn’t prohibit the sale of a pressure cooker. We can sensitize retail businesses to be on guard for suspicious behavior by those who buy this kind of stuff,” Mr. Johnson said during a question-and-answer session after a speech at the Council on Foreign Relations.