Patrols Increased At Morris Co. Religious Sites After NZ Attack

MORRIS COUNTY, NJ — Law enforcement will increase patrols of houses of worship in Morris County following a deadly terrorist attack at a New Zealand mosque, Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp said Friday afternoon.

The prosecutor's office and the Morris County Police Chiefs Association have asked all local police departments to increase their patrols in the wake of the attack, which killed dozens early Friday morning in Christchurch, New Zealand. Office Director of Critical Infrastructure Patrick Owens has coordinated the increased patrols with the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness and local police departments.

"The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office sends our thoughts and prayers to all affected by this horrible crime. At this time we do not believe there to be any direct threat to Morris County, however Chief Wilson and I have coordinated efforts with our law enforcement partners throughout the county to ensure that all houses of worship will have an increased law enforcement presence. We cannot and do not tolerate any crimes committed based on an individual’s race, religion, ethnic group, or gender," Knapp said.

Anyone who sees anything suspicious is asked to report it to the Morris County Communications Center at 973-285-2900 or the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Homeland Security Unit at 973-829-8596. Emergencies should be reported to 911.

At least 49 people were killed and dozens more were wounded during terrorist attacks at two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch, CNN reported. Four people were arrested in connection with the shootings, according to reports.