Southern California law enforcement, transportation officials on alert after New York subway attack
Local law enforcement officials say they are on alert after an apparently organized attack at a subway station in New York left more than a dozen people either shot or injured.
Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michel Moore said the LAPD is closely monitoring the developments in New York, where a gunman shot multiple people on a New York City subway train after apparently throwing a smoke bomb.
"We're in contact with our local, state and federal partners, and as always, providing high visibility patrols throughout the city, including bus and rail stations," Moore said in a statement.
Los Angeles County Sheriff Alex Villanueva offered his condolences to the subway shooting victims.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with those injured during the shooting at the New York subway station," he tweeted.
On Instagram, the sheriff's transit team said there were no specific threats to Los Angeles area transit, but "we take nothing for granted and continue to follow up on all intelligence."
Dave Sotero, the communications manager for L.A. County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, said they are aware of the shooting and will meet Tuesday morning to discuss how to respond. LA Metro said their system is operating normally, but on heightened alert.
"We take the security of our transit customers and employees extremely seriously and we are on constant lookout for all types of security threats," Metro CEO Stephanie N. Wiggins said in a statement. She said that transit riders can help by staying vigilant, and reporting any suspicious activities by calling 888-950-SAFE (7233) or texting tips to (213) 788-2777.
The Long Beach Police Department says they aren't aware of any threats to their city, but will increase patrols out of an abundance of caution.
