From the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office:
Morris County Prosecutor’s Office and Local Law Enforcement Increase Patrols after Deadly Shooting at New Zealand Mosque
Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp, Chief of Investigations Stephen F. Wilson Jr., and President of the Morris County Police Chiefs Association Chief Ciro Chimento of the Butler Police Department have requested that local law enforcement patrols be increased throughout Morris County following the active shooter incidents that occurred on Friday in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Director of Critical Infrastructure Patrick Owens has been in contact with the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, as well as all municipal police chiefs to coordinate these increased law enforcement patrols.
The Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Special Enforcement Unit is available to meet with and address any local congregation seeking more information about the increased patrols.
The two mosques in which the attacks occurred were Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Mosque, both in the city of Christchurch.
It has been announced that 49 people were killed in the attacks, and another 48 were injured and brought to the hospital. Law enforcement officials announced that three men and one woman have been taken into custody.
Prosecutor Knapp stated, “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.”
Any suspicious activity witnessed by the public can and should be reported to the Morris County Communications Center at 973-285-2900 or the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office Homeland Security Unit at 973-829-8596. If immediate assistance is required call 911.
