Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown and Amherst Town Supervisor Brian Kulpa announced on Monday that both municipalities have increased police patrols around synagogues following this weekend’s deadly attacks by Hamas militants on innocent Israeli civilians and soldiers.
"With a large Jewish population in both communities, Buffalo Police working with Amherst Police have increased patrols near synagogues and other areas following the heinous attacks this past weekend," said Mayor Brown in a joint statement with Kulpa. "I stand with Town Supervisor Brian Kulpa in denouncing these senseless killings and pray for peace in Israel, our nation and around the world."
"The Town of Amherst and the City of Buffalo share in the hope for a quick and peaceful resolution to the conflict in Israel. Together with Buffalo, we are committed to doing what we can to prevent local issues from arising and to keep our Jewish communities safe," added Kulpa. "While there are no credible threats to Amherst at this time, the Amherst Police Department will deploy additional resources, including houses of worship, to ensure that our communities have the resources they need to make sure everyone feels safe. We extend our sincerest condolences for all the lives lost in these attacks."
In addition to increased patrols, Buffalo Police and Amherst Police continue to share joint intelligence as they work with the Director of Community Security for the WNY Jewish Federation.
To this point, police say they have not received any direct threats, but continue to monitor the situation with assistance from local, state and federal law enforcement partners.
The public is asked to report suspicious activity immediately by calling 9-1-1.
Buffalo City Hall and Amherst Town Hall have been lit in Blue and White as a show of solidarity with the state of Israel.