Security ramped up over terror concerns as Americans prepare to celebrate 4th of July
Intelligence officials remain on edge as fears grow over an ISIS-inspired terror attack on the Fourth of July.
Law enforcement agencies all across the country are boosting security measures to keep Americans safe this weekend.
The FBI has said it is not investigating any specific terror threats, but authorities do say that the amount of so-called "chatter" among ISIS sympathizers has increased in recent days.
"There are groups that want to target our nation's critical infrastructure and symbolic locations and events," said FBI special agent J.J. Klaver.
Millions of Americans are getting ready to celebrate the holiday with patriotic celebrations planned from coast to coast.
One of the biggest will be in Washington, D.C. where fireworks will burst over our nation's capital.
The terrorism threats will not stop the celebrations here this holiday weekend. Preparations were underway Friday to make sure this Independence Day is a safe one.
The excitement and the police presence were visible on the U.S. Capitol grounds as crews and law enforcement prepared Saturday's big bash.
A Capitol Fourth, the annual concert that is held here in D.C., started more than three decades ago, but the theme and message has evolved. On the heels of terrorist threats, the Independence Day celebration at the U.S. Capitol will charge forward.
"I felt real safe with the security," said Jim Gann.
He came all the way from Tennessee to attend A Capitol Fourth. He is thrilled the musical extravaganza will go on despite heightened security concerns.
"It's fine," he said. "I had a knee replacement and they were very nice. I told them, they checked it, let me through, even my water," said Gann.
Pack water, food and plenty of patience. From security checkpoints to blocked streets and roaming K-9 units, police say intense security screenings will greet all attendees entering every event.
"We don't have any concerns," said Birdit Smeltzer. "We wouldn't have been here if that was a concern."
Country-rock-blues singer Hunter Hayes was surrounded by fans and police on the perimeter during an open dress rehearsal for Saturday night's show.
"It makes me feel great because we shouldn't give into the terrorist and I think we have tremendous security here and there is a thousand police, there are metal detectors, there is all kinds of extra security and precautions," said Jerry Colbart. "I don't think there's any danger here."
Colbart is an executive producer who created the star-studded celebration on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol more than three decades ago.
"The main thing is you come, you sing, you dance, you sing along with the stars and you have a great time," said Colbart. "For one hour and a half, everybody is an American."
On Saturday, the fireworks will launch from the reflecting pool area and begin at 9:09 p.m. and last about 18 minutes.
Attendees can bring food and water to most locations, but no alcohol.
The nation's roads and airports are also jam-packed as people get away for the long weekend.
AAA predicts nearly 42 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles over the holiday.