Extra Police At All Monmouth County Schools After Texas Shooting

MONMOUTH COUNTY, NJ — Acting Monmouth County Prosecutor Lori Linskey said she has placed increased law enforcement at all schools across the county, effective immediately, in the wake of Tuesday's school shooting where a gunman killed at least 19 students and 2 adults at a Texas elementary school.

This is after the New Jersey Attorney General directed all 21 New Jersey county prosecutors, and sheriffs to beef up school security.

Linskey announced on Twitter Tuesday night that she had already contacted the leaders of every law enforcement agency in Monmouth County requesting them to provide extra security in schools. The increased police presence is anticipated to continue not only throughout the remainder of the current school week, but during weeks to follow as well.

"In the wake of today’s unspeakable and unthinkable tragedy at a Texas elementary school, it is wholly understandable that members of our local community here in Monmouth County may be feeling somewhat ill at ease," said Linskey Tuesday night. "Please note that according to preliminary analysis performed by state intelligence authorities, at this time there is no known connection between the events that took place in Texas and any jurisdiction in New Jersey."

She said the county is also communicating with all Special Law Enforcement Officer (SLEO) Class III representatives and school resource officers.

"Likewise, we are urging all school executives and educational partners to remain vigilant and immediately report to local authorities anything considered unusual or suspicious – if you’re unsure, err on the side of caution," said the prosecutor.

"We at Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office echo the calls being heard throughout the nation this evening to end the scourge of gun violence," said Prosecutor Linskey. "And in the meantime, we urge every citizen of Monmouth County to look out for one another, make safety a paramount priority, and if you see something, say something."

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