Pittsburgh Public Safety Increasing Patrols At Mosques In Response To New Zealand Shootings
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PITTSBURGH (KDKA/CBS) -- The Pittsburgh Department of Public Safety says there will be increased patrols at local mosques in response to the shootings in New Zealand.
The shootings happened in Christchurch, New Zealand, on Friday.
At least 49 people were killed and more were injured. One person has been arrested and charged with murder.
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Pittsburgh Public Safety officials say they have been in contact with local Islamic leaders in response to the attack and will be increasing patrols at mosques and other locales.
"The City of Pittsburgh will protect all houses of worship and the right to freely and safely practice your religion without fear," Public Safety said in a release.
Something the Jewish faith communities have done and continue to do since the Tree of Life tragedy. Brad Orsini, a former FBI agent and Head of Security for the Jewish Federation has this advice for all faith communities across the region.
"Active shooter drills, situational awareness train our ushers and greeters about how to lock down the facility, where our evacuation routes are in the building," Orsini said.
Public Safety says the Pittsburgh Bureau of Police's Intel Unit will continue to monitor all threats to all city residents and visitors, and work closely with law enforcement agencies at local, state and federal levels.
"Today we stand with the people of Christchurch, New Zealand. We offer our deepest condolences. And we will continue to stand united against all forms of hate," Public Safety said in a release.
Mayor Bill Peduto offered his condolences to Lianne Dalziel, the mayor of Christchurch, on Friday morning.
Mayor @LianneDalziel - the people of Pittsburgh are with you and our brothers & sisters in Christchurch. Wishing you peace on this horrendous day. https://t.co/2nSCh4JF9y
— bill peduto (@billpeduto) March 15, 2019
Law enforcement officials in other cities across the country, including New York and Los Angeles, have also said they are increasing security forces at mosques in response to the shooting.
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