Both Farbstein and Ward said the steps were precautionary measures and not related to any specific threat.

CNN: U.S. anticipates al Qaeda 'threats of retaliation'

Washington's public transit operator, the Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, increased the number of uniformed officers patrolling the system, said Metro spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein.

CNN: U.S. anticipates al Qaeda 'threats of retaliation'

Last week, in an opinion piece in the Rockland County Times, published in a close-in New York City suburb, TSA spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein responded to a critical column by area resident Diane Dimond, a syndicated columnist.

FORBES: Remember 9/11? TSA Finally Takes Off the Gloves, Reminds Critics of Reality.