Mall of America beefs up security after threat

The Mall of America said late Saturday that it is increasing security after an al-Qaeda-affiliated terror group called for attacks on Western malls.

{mosads}Images of the Bloomington, Minn., megamall were shown in a video released by al-Shabaab that also named malls in Edmonton, Canada and London.

“We will continue to monitor events with the help of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies,” the Mall of America said in a statement. “As always, we take any potential threat seriously and respond appropriately.”

Mall officials said they have implemented extra security precautions, “some may be noticeable to guests, and others won’t be.”

“We will continue to follow the situation, along with law enforcement, and will remain vigilant as we always do in similar situations. The safety and security of our guests, employees and tenants remains our top priority,” the added.

Al-Shabaab, based in Somalia, claimed responsibility for an attack on the high-end Westgate Shopping Mall in Nairobi, Kenya in 2013. Dozens of people were killed in that attack.