The aftermath of the Christchurch, New Zealand mass shootings at two mosques on Friday has left at least 49 people dead and 20 seriously injured.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of New Zealand as they work to deal with the challenging and troubling circumstances created by these horrific attacks,” stated the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in a statement.
Sheriff Alex Villanueva reportedly is reaching out to the New Zealand Consul General, as well as Muslim faith leaders throughout the County of Los Angeles to express his condolences and to offer the assistance of the LASD.
My prayers are with the people of New Zealand, & Muslim faith leaders as they work to deal with the challenges created by the #ChristchurchAttack. @LASDHQ maintains a heightened state of awareness and remains vigilant in the protection of all our @CountyofLA communities.
— Alex Villanueva (@LACoSheriff_33) March 15, 2019
While there are no specific or credible threats that have been received by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, officials are maintaining a heightened state of situational awareness and remain vigilant in the protection of all our communities.
LASD is set to continue to working with law enforcement at the local, state, federal, and international levels to monitor events surrounding the Christchurch shootings.
The level of vigilance has been increased at Mosques and Muslim cultural centers across the County of Los Angeles, according to Sheriff’s officials.
Santa Clarita representatives took to social media to offer their support for New Zealand and the city of Christchurch.
“I’m heartbroken — we can not tolerate or normalize hate of any kind,” said Representative Katie Hill (D-Agua Dulce) in a Facebook post Friday. “People should be able to worship without fear of losing their lives. My thoughts are with the victims of Christchurch and their families today.”
President Donald Trump also responded to the tragedy, tweeting his condolences early Friday morning.
My warmest sympathy and best wishes goes out to the people of New Zealand after the horrible massacre in the Mosques. 49 innocent people have so senselessly died, with so many more seriously injured. The U.S. stands by New Zealand for anything we can do. God bless all!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 15, 2019
Trump also tweeted that he had contacted Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, on Friday afternoon.
“Just spoke with Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, regarding the horrific events that have taken place over the past 24 hours. I informed the Prime Minister that we stand in solidarity with New Zealand — and that any assistance the U.S.A. can give, we stand by ready to help. We love you New Zealand,” Trump wrote in two consecutive tweets.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has thousands of uniformed deputy sheriffs on-duty 24-hours a day, seven days a week, patrolling and protecting the communities they serve throughout Los Angeles County.
Specialized resources from LASD Special Operations Division units are on standby and are prepared to assist anywhere in the region should the need arise, according to Sheriff’s officials.
There is no credible information that attacks are likely to affect Santa Clarita or Los Angeles County, but officials still ask the public if they “See Something, Say Something.”
A mall in Century City was evacuated Friday afternoon after reports of an active shooter prompted Los Angeles Police Department officers to respond to the scene. Officials later declared there was no evidence of a shooting.
The LA County Sheriff’s Department asks the public to remain vigilant and report any information about potential incidents to their local law enforcement.
If witnesses prefer to provide information anonymously, they may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or by using the website.
Residents are encouraged to call 9-1-1 if they witness an emergency situation.
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So sad for the people killed senselessly, what a tragedy. Just trying to figure it out. There are no firearms in New Zealand. The government took them all away.