Police Increase Presence At RI Mosques Following NZ Attack

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Following a deadly attack on a pair of mosques in New Zealand on Friday, police in Rhode Island and around the country are increasing their presence at mosques during Friday prayer services.

Colonel James Manni, Superintendent of the Rhode Island State Police, said in a statement Friday afternoon that he has been in touch with police departments across the state as well as federal agencies to ensure the security if Rhode Island's Muslim community.

"We will provide an increased presence and visibility at local mosques and other places of worship and we will continue to communicate with other law enforcement agencies to address any concerns," Manni said, adding that he has spoken with the leaders of mosques around the state to discuss safety concerns.

The Providence Police Department also said it has placed extra patrols at city mosques.

Manni urged members of the public to be extra vigilant and alert police of suspicious activity.

"We also encourage members of the public to contact police immediately to report any suspicious activity or behavior," Manni continued. "We encourage members of the public to serve as our force multipliers, giving us additional eyes and ears to help monitor potential threats and risks of danger throughout our state."

The New Zealand attack killed at least 49 people on Friday and injured 20 others in the city of Christchurch. The attacker, a white supremacist, struck during lunchtime services, when mosques were filled with worshipers. According to CNN, the 28-year-old male suspect was arrested following the attack at will appear in court Saturday to face murder charges.

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