NYPD Steps Up Presence At Mosques After Terror Attacks In New Zealand

Ambulance staff take a man from outside a mosque in central Christchurch, New Zealand

Police officers were deployed to mosques in New York City early this morning after a terror attack on two mosques in New Zealand, which have left 49 dead and dozens injured. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern called the day "one of New Zealand's darkest days. What has happened here is an extraordinary and unprecedented act of violence. Ardern described the shooting as "an act that has absolutely no place in New Zealand."

The attacks on the Christchurch mosques took place around the time of the Friday evening prayers. One man in his 20s has been apprehended and faces murder charges, while two men and a woman have been detained. Australian officials say that one of the people in custody is an Australian citizen.

Authorities say that firearms were recovered as well as explosive devices. One of the explosive devices was defused while the other is in the process of being disabled, according to NPR.

"We represent diversity, kindness, compassion, a home for those who share our values, refuge for those who need it. And those values, I can assure you, will not and cannot be shaken by this attack," Ardern said.

NYPD Police Commissioner James O'Neill tweeted this morning, "Police & all the people we serve are together in this global effort against terrorism," adding that the NYPD was not aware of any NYC "nexus" with the massacre.

Mayor Bill de Blasio also said, "While there is no specific or credible threat at this time, we are increasing our NYPD presence at mosques throughout the city out of an abundance of caution. New Yorkers heading to prayer can be confident that their city will protect them."

Governor Andrew Cuomo ordered state police to increase patrols around mosques and other houses of worship across New York state.

"My heart breaks for the victims of the horrific attack in New Zealand," Cuomo said in a statement. "And we grieve with the rest of the world. In the wake of this disgusting act of bigoted violence, which appears to be rooted in Islamophobia, New York stands with the Muslim community as we always have and always will...At a time of great division, we will stand up to hate in all its forms and do everything in our power to protect the safety and wellbeing of all New Yorkers."

The New Zealand gunman, who has not been identified by authorities yet, livestreamed part of the attack on Facebook; the NY Times reports, "He appeared to be steeped in the culture of the extreme-right internet. And in the terrible minutes of video that followed, he proved to be a nonchalant, unrepentant killer." A manifesto also appeared just before the attack.

He is expected to be in court on Saturday morning, New Zealand time.