DHS increases security at federal buildings over terror concerns

The Department of Homeland Security announced Tuesday it has increased security at federal buildings across the county, citing terror threats and recent attacks in Canada and elsewhere.

The announcement was made by Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, who said Federal Protective Service officers are providing the increased security.

Officials said the move was a 'precautionary' step and not made in response to any specific threat. But they cited last week's violence in Canada, and Islamic State threats. Additional security will be put in place in Washington, other major U.S. cities and unnamed locations across the country.

'The reasons for this action are self-evident: the continued public calls by terrorist organizations for attacks on the homeland and elsewhere, including against law enforcement and other government officials, and the acts of violence targeted at government personnel and installations in Canada and elsewhere recently,' Johnson said in a statement. 'Given world events, prudence dictates a heightened vigilance in the protection of U.S. government installations and our personnel.'

A senior U.S. official added: 'The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and the Nusrah Front have both publicly threatened to retaliate against the West. We are taking all necessary measures to protect U.S. interests overseas and at home.'

Johnson also said the increased security will move among locations and will be 'continually re-evaluated.'

Fox News' Jennifer Griffin contributed to this report.