The Los Angeles Police Department says it will add patrols around mosques in the city in response to mass shootings at two mosques in New Zealand.
Police say there is no apparent threat to Los Angeles, but the department says it is adding the patrols "out of an abundance of caution."
The self-professed white nationalist, who also called himself a socialist, left a long manifesto online ahead of the shootings and rampage. He was arrested and charged. Police said another three people were in custody as of Friday morning.
Mayor Eric Garcetti also dropped by the Islamic Center of Southern California in Koreatown for an impromptu visit Friday morning, ahead of Friday prayers.
He pledged to support and protect Muslim houses of worship.
"Friday, for the Muslim community, is like Sunday mass. These are the most important prayers of the week. I want people to know in #LosAngeles that they can celebrate their religion, their life, and contribute to the beauty of LA,” says Garcetti Friday.
“Friday, for the Muslim community, is like Sunday mass. These are the most important prayers of the week. — I want people to know in #LosAngeles that they can celebrate their religion, their life, and contribute to the beauty of LA,” says @MayorOfLA. #NewZealandShootings pic.twitter.com/mjjH8oz2l6
— Craig Fiegener (@CraigNews3LV)
March 15, 2019 Mayor @MayorOfLA #LosAngeles just made an impromptu visit to Islamic Center of SoCal. @weareicsc @KNX1070 #NewZealandMosqueAttack pic.twitter.com/NRZSfLo5yw
— Craig Fiegener (@CraigNews3LV)
March 15, 2019
LA Mayor @MayorOfLA to speak at noon at @weareicsc Islamic Center of Southern California. #newzealandterrorattack pic.twitter.com/QTvDzsqE7G
— Craig Fiegener (@CraigNews3LV)
March 15, 2019 LAPD adds officers to keep watch on @weareicsc Islamic Center if SoCal after #MosqueAttack in New Zealand. #LosAngeles #NewZealandMosqueShooting pic.twitter.com/fnIoFadMNR
— Craig Fiegener (@CraigNews3LV)
March 15, 2019 The LAPD is monitoring the horrific events unfolding in Christchurch, New Zealand. While this attack appears to be an isolated incident with no nexus to LA, out of an abundance of caution we’re providing extra patrols around mosques. Our thoughts & prayers are with all affected.
— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ)
March 15, 2019 The LAPD also reminded the public "that anytime anyone observes concerning behavior or potential criminal acts, they notify authorities as soon as possible."
"White nationalist extremism is the most ascendant in a diverse pool of extremists,"
said Brian Levin, director of Cal State San Bernardino's Center for the Study of Hate & Extremism to KNX reporter Margaret Carrero, in response to the New Zealand shootings.
Hate knows no boundaries. Houses of worship should be sanctuaries—A place where all can congregate without fear. The thoughts and prayers of the LAPD are with all affected by the #ChristchurchAttack in New Zealand. pic.twitter.com/VLt0o27NGz
— Chief Michel Moore (@LAPDChiefMoore)
March 15, 2019 -KNX 1070
