Increased Patrols At Cherry Hill Mall After Mass Shootings

CHERRY HILL, NJ — Cherry Hill police have increased patrols at the Cherry Hill Mall, other shopping centers and houses of worship after two weekend mass shootings in Texas and Ohio.

Police have assigned additional personnel, as well as plain clothes and undercover officers to patrol the mall, Cherry Hill Police Chief Bud Monaghan said. The mall has also told officers it would add private security officers.

It also increased patrols at other shopping centers and houses of worship. It wasn't clear how long these increased patrols would last.

There is no immediate threat to the area, but Monaghan said the police department increases its presence in specific areas following major tragedies, whether they are local, national or international.

Over the weekend, a massacre at an El Paso shopping center left 20 people dead and 26 other injured. A 21-year-old man surrendered shortly after Saturday's rampage, authorities said.

Less than 24 hours later, nine people were killed and 27 wounded after a 24-year-old man opened fire in Dayton's entertainment district. The shooter is also dead, authorities said.