West Point security tightens after possible threat

Tony Lombardo | Army Times

The U.S. Military Academy at West Point tightened security in light of a possible threat, according to Superintendent Lt. Gen. Robert Caslen.

“I am charged with the responsibility to protect this community and provide a safe and secure installation. Part of that responsibility is to act upon intelligence or law enforcement information in a way that best serves this community,” Caslen wrote in a statement posted to USMA’s Facebook page.

Details of the threat to the New York facility are unclear.

A message on the West Point Garrison and Community Facebook page went up Sunday, notifying students and the community that safety officials were investigating the validity of a possible threat. The message also noted that gate vehicle searches have been increased.

Since then, the academy has not specified additional security measures in effect.

“We take operational security very seriously, therefore we will not discuss specific threats or how long these security measures will remain in effect,” Caslen said. “Recent events, abroad and at home, have shown us the need to take prudent steps to ensure our force protection posture can be increased both quickly and effectively.”

Caslen encouraged students and family members to follow the official Facebook page and West Point’s Twitter feed: @USAGWestPoint for further updates.

“If you see something, say something. Report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement authorities, which on West Point is 845-938-3333,” Caslen wrote.

The Army-Navy game is Saturday in Philadelphia. Caslen took the opportunity in his statement to remind his team to: “Beat Navy!”

Contributing: Kevin Lilley, Army Times. Follow Tony Lombardo on Twitter: @ArmyTimesTony