Ridgewood Cops Increase Presence At Schools After Mass Shooting

RIDGEWOOD, NJ — Village police are increasing their presence at Ridgewood schools following the mass school shooting in Parkland, Florida Wednesday.

Ridgewood Schools Superintendent Daniel Fishbein said that all schools are following the district's "regular safety protocols," in addition to the increased police presence.

Village Police Chief Jacqueline Luthcke could not be reached for comment.

Seventeen people were shot to death and numerous others injured Wednesday after Nikolas Jacob Cruz, a former student who was expelled last year, allegedly opened fire marking a horrific and sadly familiar episode of school violence, according to law enforcement and school officials, Patch previously reported.

Cruz was formally charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder.

Fifteen people died at the school and seventeen were taken to Broward Health Coral Springs, Broward Health North, Broward Health Medical Center and Boca West Medical Center. Two of the 17 later died.

President Trump addressed the nation Thursday morning, saying he would be meeting with governors and attorneys general to discuss ways to make schools safer. Trump said he was making plans to travel to Parkland to visit with victims' families and local officials.

"No child, no teacher should ever be in danger in an American school," Trump said.

Trump also said he wanted to speak directly to American school children. "You are never alone. You never will be," he said. "Answer hate with love. Answer cruelty with kindness."

Patch staff writers Don Johnson and Paul Scicchitano contributed to this report. The Associated Press also contributed to this report.

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Image: Ridgewood High School, Patch file photo