Rep. Schiff Says Aerovironment Is on Al Qaeda 'Hit List'

The FBI has confirmed that Monrovia-based technology company , maker of spy drones used by the U.S. military, is on an Al Qaeda "Hit List," according to a statement released Friday by Congressman Adam Schiff.

Schiff (D-Burbank)--who represents the 29th congressional district that includes nearby cities like Pasadena and sits on the Congressional Select Intelligence Committee--said in the statement that there is no indication that an attack is imminent or has been planned against the company.

"The FBI confirms Aerovironment and its senior executives are on the so-called Al Qaeda linked 'Hit List' on a jihadist website and is continuing to investigate the situation," Schiff wrote. "However, there is currently no evidence that an attack is about to happen or even being extensively planned against local businesses or individuals."

.

Schiff said that threats on jihadist websites have become increasingly more prevalent against companies involved in U.S. military efforts, especially since the killing of Osama Bin Laden.

"There has been a proliferation of threats on jihadist websites over the last several years, and especially since the killing of Osama Bin Laden, as Al Qaeda has been trying to re-affirm its credibility after being marginalized by the Arab Spring," Schiff wrote.

Schiff cautioned that threats like these are frequently made without ever being carried out.

"Many thousands of these kind of threats have proved no more than idle rants over the years," he wrote. "Nonetheless, many Southern California companies produce advanced technologies and products that play an important role in maintaining our national security, and we need to take every threat seriously. The businesses and individuals targeted by these sites have been notified and will take appropriate action to maintain their security, and law enforcement and the intelligence community will remain vigilant against Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups."

City officials said Friday that they and are working with federal authorities to bolster security at Aerovironment over the Fourth of July weekend. A spokesman from the company declined to discuss security matters relating to the company.