Top US officials warn of threats to upcoming conventions

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON

The FBI is concerned that a “spectrum of radical groups” will be attracted to the upcoming Republican and Democratic national conventions, Director James Comey said Thursday.

“Anytime there's a national spotlight on a political event in the United States, there's a risk that groups that aspire to do just that, to engage in acts of domestic terrorism will be attracted,” Comey said during congressional testimony before the House Homeland Security Committee. “We're watching it very, very carefully.”

Republicans will begin their four-day convention in Cleveland next Monday, and Democrats will convene beginning July 25 in Philadelphia.

Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has warned that his supporters will riot if he does not receive the party's nomination -- a scenario that has become progressively unlikely after he secured the required number of delegates, but which is still possible.

Testifying alongside Comey, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said 4,000 U.S. government law enforcement personnel will be at the conventions, as well as thousands of state and local officers.

“I am concerned about the prospect of demonstrations getting out of hand. I am concerned about the possibility of violence,” Johnson said.

Of particular concern is Ohio’s open carry laws, Johnson said, that allow licensed citizens to openly carry firearms in public.

“It does present a challenging situation, very plainly,” he said.

A variety of groups and individuals have said that they will exercise the right in Cleveland.

The Homeland Security secretary said he will visit Cleveland on Friday to inspect security, and will visit Philadelphia next week.