The Real Threat To Malls

America’s malls could be terrorist targets… That’s according to the head of U.S. Homeland Security… And this is supposed to be news as we approach 14 years after 9-11? Of course, Secretary Jeh Johnson was trying to make a point to a recalcitrant Congress that his agency needs to be funded to protect the country properly. Throwing a little scare into Americans might get their representatives to act. In particular, the warning signaled–watch out at giant Mall of America. Could that be because Minneapolis is home to a cluster of Somali immigrants? Some young Somalis have been vulnerable to jihadi callings and could be ripe for homegrown mayhem. I am sure the local Somali community is feeling reassured about being used to gin up fear when everyone seems to be getting riled over beheadings half way across the world.

Obviously, malls would be particularly good targets for attacks, but then so would subways, Disneyland (or is that for measles?), the Golden Gate Bridge, and thousands of other places where people congregate, including major office buildings and mixed-use complexes, especially in major urban centers around the country. Well yes, even government buildings too—do we remember Oklahoma City? Now will the threat factor be that much higher at regional shopping centers, because a recent internet video from an overseas terrorist redoubt somewhere in Africa exhorts local jihadi wanabees into action in the U.S., UK and Canada? And how will that impact mall business?