What to Know
- Shootings at mosques in New Zealand has claimed the life of at least 49 people and severely injured more than a dozen more
- The NYPD said it 'closely monitoring' the attacks in Christchurch and has stepped up security across city mosques
- Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern called the attacks 'one of New Zealand's darkest days'
The NYPD is stepping up security across mosques in the city following the shootings at mosques in New Zealand, attacks that killed at least 49 people.
Out of an abundance of caution, the NYPD said extra security was being deployed at different mosque locations around New York City particularly since Friday is an important day in the Muslim faith with the potential for mosques being more crowded than usual.
Patrol officers with K-9 units and long guns were seen on standby.
[NATL] Photos: Mourning, Increased Security After Deadly Mosque Shootings in New Zealand
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern called the attacks in Christchurch "one of New Zealand's darkest days" after the mass shootings at two mosques full of worshippers attending Friday prayers.
Authorities detained four people and defused explosive devices in what appeared to be a carefully planned racist attack. One man has been charged with murder.
Ardern said in addition to the dozens dead that more than 20 people were seriously wounded.
Mayor de Blasio on Twitter called the attacks “heartbreaking.”
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“The people of New Zealand are in the hearts and minds of New York City,” he tweeted. “Our love and prayers are with all impacted by the horrific attack at these mosques.”
City officials say there is no specific threat in New York City.
"Our message to them is that we are here with you — one of reassurance and one of protection," NYPD Counterterrorism Deputy Commissioner John Miller said.
Democratic Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams will join faith leaders Friday at 12:30 p.m. to support the victims of the attacks.
New York is home to more than 700,000 Muslim-Americans, according to the Muslim-American Progress Center.
