NYPD Steps Up Security In Wake Of Deadly Mosque Shooting In Quebec
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The NYPD has stepped up security at mosques citywide following a shooting at a Quebec City mosque that left six people dead and eight others hurt in what Canadian officials have called a "terrorist attack."
Counterterrorism officers have been dispatched to well-known mosques such as the New York Islamic Cultural Center on East 97th Street and Third Avenue, CBS2's Magdalena Doris reported.
"They are here to protect civilians and protect people," said Harlem resident Mamarame Neayie.
As the NYPD continues the specialized security detail, Canadian officials are learning more about the attack. One suspect was being held late Monday afternoon in connection with the shooting.
The shooting happened during an evening prayer service in the men's section of the Quebec Islamic Cultural Center on Sunday.
"We can confirm that we have six persons pronounced dead and eight persons is in hospital," said Christine Coulombe, the Quebec Provincial Police spokeswoman.
She said some of the wounded were gravely injured and said the dead were approximately 35 to 70 years of age. Thirty-nine people were in the mosque at the time of the attack.
Two people had originally been arrested in connection with the attack, but Quebec police said Monday that just one of the individuals is considered a suspect, while the other man is considered a witness.
"Quebec City today has been hit by terrorism," said Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard. "Hard to believe in such a peaceful, beautiful city that such a thing could happen, but it has happened, obviously."
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau characterized the shooting as a "terrorist attack on Muslims.''
He said in a statement that it is "heart-wrenching to see such senseless violence'' and he vowed that Canadian law enforcement "will make every effort to apprehend the perpetrators of this act and all acts of intolerance.''
Trudeau's office said President Donald Trump called to express his condolences to Trudeau and the Canadian people and offered to provide any assistance needed.
This is not the first time the mosque has been the victim of bias. During Ramadan, the holiest time of the year for Muslims, a severed pig head was left on its doorstep along with a threatening note reading "bon appetit" in 2016.
"We have to keep working together, striving towards a more open, inclusive, peaceful society," said Couillard said. "That's the right response to this type of terrible event."
Back in New York, Mayor Bill de Blasio is also promising to keep Muslims across the city safe and uphold the ideals of inclusion and security for everyone.
"To my fellow New Yorkers who are Muslim: New York City will protect you. The NYPD will protect you. We will fight all hatred and bias," he said on Twitter.
Also on Twitter, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said, "My heart breaks for the people of Quebec" adding that New York "stands shoulder to shoulder" with the Quebec City Islamic Cultural Center and all Canadians.
While the frustration over bias attacks mounts, gratitude for the extra security in New York grew.
"They are here to protect civilians and protect people," said Mamarame Neayie of Harlem.
As a practicing Muslim dressing in traditional garb and driving the streets of New York City, Neayie often wonders how people perceive him.
"The kind of ignorance going on because they see people, very peaceful people, and they think these people are terrorists," he said. "I don't think so. It's terrible."
East Harlem resident Grace Mosley felt compelled to leave a message of inclusion.
"Can't imagine what they're going through and I wanted to let them know they're as much a part of this neighborhood as much as anyone else here," she said.
As the NYPD continues the specialized security detail, Canadian police said they are learning more details about the suspect and witness. Both are men in their late 20s or early 30s with no previous criminal records.
A motive has not been released.
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