Security Tightened At LA Events In Wake Of Paris Attacks
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — In light of apparent coordinated terrorist attacks that left at least 127 people dead in Paris, Los Angeles police have added extra patrols at large public gatherings.
Department commanders were contacted and officers planned to step up their presence at critical sites and places where large crowds are gathered -- such as a Justin Bieber concert
Friday night at Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles.
On Saturday, a Snoop Dogg concert at the LA Coliseum, a lighting of a large Christmas tree at the Grove were among the events where attendees should expect extra security.
Police in Pasadena, where UCLA will be playing Washington State at the Rose Bowl on Saturday night, said that while no threats against the city have been identified, the department "is in ongoing communication with the Joint Terrorism Task Force and local law enforcement agencies."
Mayor Eric Garcetti said via Twitter there are "no confirmed credible threats here in Los Angeles" in response to the terror attacks in Paris, but he said the city is "taking all necessary precautions for heightened attention for our city."
"Los Angeles stands with Paris against the horror of these attacks," Garcetti said. "Our love and prayers are with you."
LAPD Chief Charlie Beck also expressed solidarity with Paris on Twitter.
"No city should have to undergo the sheer terror which took place in Paris," he said. "LAPD stands with Paris against this unthinkable violence."
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department reported that it was not taking extraordinary measures in response to the attacks.
"While there is no specific credible threat to Los Angeles County, sheriff's personnel will be reminded to remain vigilant and maintain situational awareness. We urge the public to report any suspicious activity to a local law enforcement agency and if they see something, say something," according to the department.
The FBI and U.S. Department of Homeland Security were closely monitoring the situation and won't hesitate to adjust their security posture if deemed appropriate, according to officials at the FBI's Los Angeles field office.
Both the FBI and DHS share information with local and state authorities and evaluate on an ongoing basis the level of protection at federal facilities, according to the FBI.
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