The New York City Police Department is increasing security at synagogues after the shooting in Pittsburgh that left 11 people dead.
“Following the shooting in PA, we are deploying heavy weapons teams as well as @NYPDCT & @NYPDSpecialops officers to houses of worship across the city. Currently, there is no nexus to NYC but we ask that you remain alert and if you see anything suspicious contact 888-NYC-SAFE,” the NYPD said on Twitter.
President Trump suggested over the weekend that the mass shooting could have been prevented if the synagogue had armed guards. Mayor Bill de Blasio rejected that idea.
“Houses of worship do not have to have armed guards to be able to practice their religions. That’s not America,” de Blasio said.
Eleven people were killed when a gunman opened fire at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Accused gunman Robert Bowers made a series of anti-Semitic comments on social media.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams is asking off-duty police officers to bring their guns to their houses of worship.
“If we have police officers standing in front of churches, then we can’t say that it’s wrong for a police officer who’s off-duty to be inside churches with a gun,” Adams said.