Security Beefed Up At Local Sports Events Following Boston Bombings
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Security will be beefed up at sports venues and events in the Southland in response to Monday's Boston Marathon attack.
Three people were killed and more than 170 others injured when twin bombs went off at 2:50 p.m. EST at the finish line of the marathon.
Cmdr. Andrew Smith of the Los Angeles Police Department said officers are on a heightened state of alert even though there's no known local threat in connection to the tragic events on the East Coast.
"We've assigned additional officers in uniform and undercover to all of our big events just to be on the safe side," he said.
KNX1070's Claudia Peschiutta reported safeguards were in place Tuesday night inside the Staples Center and on surrounding streets for the Clippers game against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Security Amped Up For Clippers Game
"You'll see a lot of officers in uniform on the street around Staples Center. We have bomb detection K-9 officers, of course, and they're very busy these past couple of days, and they'll continue to be busy in the upcoming weeks. We have surveillance officers on the buildings. We also have undercover officers," said Smith.
Clippers fans welcomed the extra officers.
"I agree there should be a little bit tighter security," said Ami Azarkman. "You never know what's going to happen."
Mike Azarkman said, "It's always on the back of our minds in a big metropolitan area, and safety is always a concern."
Security is also planned to be tight at this weekend's Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, where 170,000 spectators are expected to show up.
"We're working with the Long Beach Police Department, the fire department, and other agencies to implement the measures we need to provide for the safety of our fans. We're looking forward to having a great weekend. We're looking for everyone to come out and have a good time," said Jim Michaelian of the Grand Prix Association of Long Beach.
On Sunday, extra patrols will be out in full force at CicLAvia, a large bicycle event that runs from downtown Los Angeles to Venice Beach.
CicLAvia Security
"We're in close contact with the LAPD, with the mayor's office, with the sheriff's department. They're providing security for the event," said CEO Aaron Paley. "They were already planning to beef up (security) at CicLAvia. There is a major presence along the route."
