Patrols increased around LA religious institutions amid Michigan church shooting
Patrols increased around religious institutions
Police patrols have been increased around Los Angeles' religious institutions in response to the church shooting in Michigan.
LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Authorities were increasing patrols around religious institutions in Los Angeles Sunday following a fatal attack on a Mormon church in Michigan.
What they're saying:
"The reports of a mass shooting and fire during Sunday services at an LDS church in Michigan are devastating. Out of an abundance of caution, @LAPDHQ will increase patrols at places of worship across Los Angeles," Mayor Karen Bass announced Sunday.
"This type of violence is reprehensible and should have no place in our country. My heart is with the families impacted and the entire Grand Blanc community," she added.
Securing from within using Magen AM
FOX 11's Hailey Winslow got a chance to check out a Jewish security services in the wake of recent attacks targeting places of worship.
Later Sunday, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department released the following statement:
"We are actively assessing any potential threat to Los Angeles County and we have implemented increased patrol checks to critical facilities. All patrol personnel will be briefed on the incident for situational awareness and will remain vigilant.
"We will also be reaching out to our faith-based partners to encourage the prompt reporting of any suspicious activity. Violence has no place in our society, and we remain committed to protecting our communities in Los Angeles County."
The backstory:
A gunman drove a vehicle through the front of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township, Michigan, during a service Sunday morning.
At least five people were killed and eight others were wounded. That death toll includes the gunman, 40-year-old Thomas Jacob Sanford who was shot dead by authorities.
Michigan church shooter ID'd as Iraqi war vet
Police identified the shooter as Thomas Jacob Sanford and said he was a Marine veteran who spent time in Iraq. According to the FBI, he allegedly disliked people of the Mormon faith.
Officials say the former Marine smashed his pickup truck into a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel in Michigan and began shooting, church members pulled others to safety while smoke filled the building.
Related: Grand Blanc church shooting: What’s known about suspected shooter Thomas Jacob Sanford
Last week, officials announced that the Los Angeles Police Department and the LASD would increase patrols around Jewish institutions during the High Holy Days, which continue through the end of Yom Kippur this Thursday.