NYPD Takes Extra Precautions In Wake Of Deadly Alexandria Shooting
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The NYPD is taking extra security precautions after learning about Wednesday's shooting that occurred at a congressional baseball practice in Alexandria, Virginia.
Deputy Commissioner of Intelligence and Counterterrorism John Miller said the NYPD sprang into action determining where any members of congress might be in New York City and whether they were attending any public events.
"Out of an abundance of caution we moved resources to City Hall, to Gracie Mansion, to other government locations and as we learned more we were able to adjust that," Miller said. "We will have additional resources at some public events where elected officials are attending today."
PHOTOS: Gunfire Erupts At Congressional Baseball Practice
Members of the NYPD's Critical Response Command and Strategic Response Group have been deployed to government locations.
Extra police were on duty at Gracie Mansion, where Mayor de Blasio is speaking at the Russian Heritage Reception Wednesday evening.
As CBS2's Jessica Layton reported, the shooting that critically injured Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise highlights the risk elected officials often face as part of their daily agendas at everyday events, town hall meetings, even playing the nation's pastime.
Four people were shot when a man opened fire on members of the Republican Congress as they were practicing for an annual charity baseball game, which is scheduled to go on as planned Thursday.
"We live in an open society," Miller said. "These are public officials that need contact with the public and there is no such thing as total security."
The shooting suspect, identified by law enforcement sources as James T. Hodgkinson, 66, of Belleville, Illinois, was fatally shot by police.
The FBI is working to identify a motive for the shooting.
Miller noted, "We are seeing globally with increasing frequency either terrorist attacks or incidents involving deranged active shooters."
A law enforcement source told CBS News' Pat Milton it appears the suspect was increasingly frustrated over the political direction of the country. At this point, there is no indication he was inspired by a terrorist group or terrorist ideology.
