NEW YORK (1010 WINS) -- The NYPD said Thursday that it was deploying additional resources to churches and other houses of worship after Wednesday’s deadly shooting at a Catholic school Mass in Minneapolis.
In a statement, the police department said it was “closely following” the shooting in Minneapolis.
“Out of an abundance of caution, we are deploying additional resources at houses of worship, specifically to churches, to ensure that all New Yorkers stay safe,” the statement continued.
“At this time there is no known threat or nexus to New York City,” the department said.
Police also urged anyone who witnesses suspicious activity to call 911 or 1-888-NYC-SAFE.
The increase in security comes as New York City public schools prepare for the new school year, which begins next Thursday.
Authorities are investigating what motivated the Minneapolis gunman, 23-year-old Robin Westman, to open fire on children sitting in the pews during Mass at the Annunciation Catholic School.
The children who died were 8 and 10 years old. Fourteen other kids and three octogenarian parishioners were wounded but expected to survive, officials said.
FBI Director Kash Patel said on X that the shooting is being investigated as an act of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics.
Police said Westman did not have an extensive known criminal history and is believed to have acted alone.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.