After the harrowing events in New Zealand yesterday (March 14), Prince George RCMP are reassuring safety in the community.
Cpl. Craig Douglass released a statement, first acknowledging those affected by the attacks.
"Our sympathies go out to the people affected by the tragic incident in New Zealand," he says.
Douglass says while some mosques may have an increased presence following the events in New Zealand, Prince George RCMP are not aware of any specific threats, but continue to exercise increased vigilance.
Mounties are also reaching out to the local Muslim community to identify whether they have any specific safety and/or security concerns.
"We are also asking for members of the public to report anything suspicious to police," Douglass adds. "The Prince George RCMP encourage all victims of hate crime to report these incidents to police or community leaders so the appropriate steps can be taken to address the needs of the victim and take action against the offender."
Anyone with information regarding possible criminal threats to national security is asked to call the RCMP's National Security Information Network at 1-800-420-5805.
What has happened in Christchurch is an extraordinary act of unprecedented violence. It has no place in New Zealand. Many of those affected will be members of our migrant communities – New Zealand is their home – they are us.
— Jacinda Ardern (@jacindaardern) March 15, 2019
Police in New Zealand designated the shooting as a terrorist attack after Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said: "This is one of New Zealand’s darkest days." while also adding "extremist views that have absolutely no place in New Zealand and, in fact, have no place in the world."
1/9 Police continue to deal with what is an unprecedented event for New Zealand. The loss of life and the number of those who have been injured is tragic.
— New Zealand Police (@nzpolice) March 15, 2019
As the Prime Minister has stated, this has been designated a terrorist attack.
