FBI: No "credible" threat involving alleged terrorist attack at Phillips Arena

According to an article in the International Business Times: 

"Anonymous, the loose collective of online activists, also said the Islamic State group is planning an assault at the WWE Survivor Series event scheduled to take place in the Philips Arena in Atlanta Sunday at 7.30 p.m. EST, as well as attacks at multiple events in Paris."

FOX 5 spoke with Jim Butterworth, Director of the Georgia Emergency Management Agency who said there is no credible threat directed at the WWE event. According to Butterworth, the ISIS group has made a list of possible targets and doesn’t think that this is an identifiable threat, which means WWE event wasn’t specifically listed. “In light of the world we live in, we take the suggested possibility of attacks seriously,” said Butterworth.

"The FBI is aware of reports of an alleged threat that includes an Atlanta, Georgia venue and event.  While we take all threats seriously, we do not have specific or credible information of an attack at this time.  We have, however, made the proper notifications as we continue to work closely with our law enforcement and private sector partners to keep our community safe,” said J. Britt Johnson, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Atlanta Field Office.

 Philips Arena and WWE released a statement Saturday night :

"Federal, state and local law enforcement authorities have confirmed there is no specific or credible information involving a threat against tomorrow's WWE Survivor Series at Philips Arena. However, WWE and Philips Arena have coordinated with the appropriate agencies and law enforcement, and significantly increased security measures to ensure the safety of all those in attendance, which is our highest priority.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. to help fans avoid any delays in entering the arena due to the additional precautionary security procedures put in place.  Fans are encouraged to take public transportation (MARTA) to the event and are advised that bags will not be permitted in the arena."

In a statement from Mayor Kasim Reed:

"Out of an abundance of caution, I directed Chief Operating Officer Dan Gordon and Atlanta Police Chief George Turner to open the Joint Operations Center (JOC) today in response to the reported threats against Philips Arena and to support enhanced security for tonight's public events in the City of Atlanta.  Although the FBI has not found any credible threats relating to any events in the city, the Atlanta Police Department (APD) is actively monitoring the situation and is coordinating closely with our federal and state partners.

Over the past week, the City of Atlanta has increased security for all operations, including at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the Atlanta Streetcar and for major public events. As always, APD stands ready to act in the case of an emergency.

There are several events in our city tonight, including the WWE Survivor Series, the Atlanta Falcons game, and the Macy’s Great Tree Lighting. If you see or hear something suspicious, please call 911 immediately.

In this holiday season and at all times, I encourage our residents and visitors to enjoy our city and not let fear guide you. Public safety remains my number one priority, and I am confident in our law enforcement agencies’ ability to keep us safe. "