Chicago Police Increase Patrols In Boystown After Orlando Mass Shooting
(CBS) -- Chicago police have stepped up patrols in the Boystown, Lakeview, and Lincoln Park neighborhoods in the wake of a deadly mass shooting at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.
First Deputy Superintendent John Escalante ordered additional police resources to be deployed to the Town Hall District; which includes Lakeview, Lincoln Park and Boystown.
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Police said there also would be increased police presence at special events across the city on Sunday, with a particular focus on CTA hubs, downtown, and other heavily traveled areas.
"These measures are being done out of an abundance of caution. There is no intelligence or threat against the LGBTQ community or any event within the City of Chicago," police said in an emailed statement Sunday.
At least 50 people were killed and 53 were wounded early Sunday in a shooting at Pulse, a popular gay nightclub in Orlando. The gunman has been identified as Omar Mateen, and sources have convirmed authorities are investigating whether he had ties to Islamic terrorism. Sources tell CBS News correspondent Jeff Pegeus that Mateen called 911 and pledged allegiance to ISIS. During the 911 call, Mateen referenced Boston marathon bombersDzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev, Pegues reports. Mateen's father has spoken out to the media, saying his son was anti-gay and he doesn't believe the attack was motivated by religion.
