Baltimore FBI Monitoring Any Potential Terrorist Threats

WOODLAWN, Md. (WJZ) -- As authorities in New York take precautions, so too are many other cities, including Baltimore.

Derek Valcourt reports officials say they're paying close attention to potential threats in the area.

Many local leaders have raised concerns about the possibility of an attack in Maryland because of its proximity to D.C. The special agent in charge says the FBI has been working around the clock to hunt down any potential Maryland threats.

The Paris attacks have raised concerns, not just in Washington and New York, but in almost every major American city--including Baltimore--something FBI officials are well aware of.

"There's no group that's come out and said, 'Baltimore region, we're ready to attack,'" said Kevin Perkins, FBI Baltimore.

Perkins heads the Baltimore FBI office. He tells the WJZ federal agents have been talking to sources and monitoring online extremist chatter as they try to protect the region.

Valcourt: "What has the FBI been doing in the last five or six days to look at any potential sleeper cells or other threats in our area?"

Perkins: "We don't have any particular, specific threat and knowledge of those types of cells in existence. We're much more concerned about the individual radicalized people who could be sitting by themselves, the lone wolf is a term that's been used in the past. While there are no direct, immediate known threats to the Baltimore area, to really any place in the country, you should always be aware of your surroundings. If you see something out of place, say something about it."

Perkins is convinced heightened awareness may be one of the best tools in preventing another attack.

While The FBI is specifically calling on people to be vigilant and report anything out of place, they're also urging people to carry on with their lives and not to give in to fear.