U.S. Police Step Up Patrols After Deadly Quebec Mosque Attack
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NEW YORK (CBSMiami/AP) — Police in New York City stepped up patrols around mosques after a deadly shooting at a Canada Mosque.
The New York Police Department issued a statement Sunday night saying Critical Response Command personnel have been "assigned to extended tour coverage" at certain mosques.
In South Florida, Miami-Dade Police have not stepped up patrols around local mosques but continue to monitor the situation and looking for any "suspicious activity or information."
In New York, the department says it's monitoring the situation in Quebec City.
Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio says New York City is praying for the people of Canada and that "we must stand together." He urged New Yorkers to remain vigilant.
Quebec police say six people were killed and more than a dozen were hurt in the shooting.
Police now say there is only one suspected gunman in Sunday night's deadly attack. Police earlier said two men were under arrest, but now say the other man is just a witness.
Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed the attack from the floor of parliament.
"This was a group of innocents targeted for practicing their faith. Make no mistake, this was a terrorist attack," said Trudeau. "We will get to the bottom of this. Such senseless violence has no place in Canadian society."
"Hard to believe that in such a beautiful peaceful city such a thing could happen, but it has happened obviously," said Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard.
On Sunday night, authorities in Quebec blocked off the area around the city's Islamic Cultural Center as emergency crews carried away victims on stretchers.
The president of the mosque, who was not inside at the time, said several people were killed when multiple gunmen opened fire on worshippers during evening prayers. He said an estimated 60 to 100 people may have been there at the time.
As the investigation continues into the attack, Quebec officials have called for solidarity rallies across the city.
"We're still in the early stage of the investigation," said Royal Canadian Mounted Police National Security Superintendent Martin Plante.
Police have not released a possible motive in the attack.
President Donald Trump called Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau Monday to express his condolences about the mosque attack.
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