WAYLAND, MA — Wayland officials said police will increase patrols and visibility at houses of worship following a deadly shooting at a California mosque this week.
Wayland residents can expect to see expanded patrols and visibility efforts at all houses of worship in town, the Town of Wayland and the Wayland Police Department said in a joint statement Tuesday. Officials said there is no known threat to any house of worship in Wayland, but the added patrols are meant to provide reassurance and support.
The move follows a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego on Monday, where three men were killed, according to San Diego police.
Authorities said two teenage suspects, ages 17 and 18, later died from self-inflicted gunshot wounds in a nearby vehicle. Investigators said hate speech was found on the suspects' firearms and the case is being investigated as a hate crime.
See Also: Deadly Attack At San Diego Islamic Center: 5 Things To Know
Wayland officials called the shooting "a painful reminder that acts of hate and violence targeting individuals and communities based on their faith have no place in our society" and said they stand in solidarity with the Muslim community.
"No one should feel unsafe in their place of worship, and we condemn in the strongest terms any act of violence or intimidation directed at any religious community," the statement said.
Police said they will continue monitoring developments at the local, national and international levels and remain in close contact with community and religious leaders in Wayland. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the Wayland Police Department.
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