Police issued an internal warning to be on the alert for terrorists impersonating law enforcement as part of a terrorist plot just days before the Pope’s visit to the U.S.
NBC News obtained a memo sent to Pennsylvania State Police’s Criminal Intelligence Center warning of this threat, which does not specifically mention the pope but was sent out only a few days prior to his visit to Philadelphia.
“A wide variety of products such as clothing, weapons and tactical gear can be purchased on the Internet by any consumer, regardless of a confirmed affiliation to emergency services, government or law enforcement agency,” the memo reads.
Would-be terrorists have been caught wearing Both Belgian and French police have stopped terrorists plots where the terrorists had police identification.
Authorities say the security for the pope’s visit will be at the same level as for the president, CNN reports. The pope’s visit to Philadelphia will be his largest public gathering.
“We believe we have struck that right balance for the public, and we look forward to a safe and successful visit by the Holy Father here,” U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson told reporters.
The pope is scheduled to arrive in the U.S Tuesday.
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