NYPD increasing security at houses of worship after deadly Minneapolis Catholic school shooting
NEW YORK (WABC) -- There is heightened security at places of worship across the country, including in New York City, in the wake of the Catholic school shooting in Minneapolis this week.
The NYPD says there are no specific or credible threats linked to the shooting in New York, but there will be additional resources and patrols at places of worship across the city.
On Thursday morning, parishioners in New York said the tragedy was weighing heavily on them as they headed to Mass.
"The gospel today is really about being prepared," parishioner Marion Kelly said. "When I realized what happened, all I could think about is when are we going to learn that our children must be safe."
Cardinal Dolan, the archbishop of New York, has spoken out about what happened and said he's "shocked and horrified by the news of another senseless shooting, this time all the more disturbing because it happened at a Catholic church and school, which should always be sanctuaries of peace."
"We pray for an end to all violence in our hearts, in our communities, and in our world," he said.
The mass shooting happened during mass at Annunciation Catholic School and many of the victims were children. Two children, 8 and and 10 years old, were sitting in pews when they were shot and killed. Seventeen other people were injured.
The mayor of Minneapolis was emotional and frustrated as he called for change -- saying thoughts and prayers are great, but they aren't enough -- pointing out that the children were praying when the 23-year-old suspect started shooting through the church windows.
Parishioners were happy to see extra security around St. Patrick's Cathedral on Thursday as they reflected on the tragedy.
"We just ask that places of worship be respected, not just as places of safety, but places where people feel welcome and feel like they can be present to do what they want to do which is pray and rest and meditate without the fear of intimidation or violence," said parishioner Nicholas Dilorio.
The FBI is investigating Wednesday's mass shooting as an act of domestic terrorism and hate crime targeting Catholics.
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