Long Island Police boost patrols by schools in wake of Texas massacre

Long Island Police boost patrols by schools in wake of Texas massacre

FILE - This photo from Tuesday April 20, 2021, shows Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder as he speaks in West Hempstead, N.Y. Ryder said Friday, June 18, he won't resign over comments to Newsday blaming the lack of diversity in his police department on Black and Hispanic "broken homes." (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)

East Farmingdale, NY- Long Island parents, teachers, students and staff will return to classrooms on Wednesday, the day after a mass shooting at an elementary school in Texas killed 19 children and two adults. Schools on Long Island could see an increased police presence on or nearby school grounds. Nassau and Suffolk County Police Departments say that while there are no specific or credible threats at this time, they will be increasing patrols out of an abundance of caution.

Statement from Nassau County Police

“Nassau County Executive Bruce A. Blakeman and Police Commissioner Patrick J. Ryder send their condolences to the victims and their families after today’s horrific shooting in Uvalde, Texas.

While there is no nexus or specific threats to Nassau County, we continue to work with our federal, state and local partners as we continue our assessment. The Police Department is intensifying its patrols around all schools.

Residents are reminded to call 911 immediately if they see or hear anything suspicious.”

Statement from Suffolk County Police

“The Suffolk County Police Department offers its deepest condolences to the Robb Elementary School community, as well as the law enforcement officers who responded to the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas,” said Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney K. Harrison. “This tragic act of violence against children and school staff inside what should be a safe haven is unfathomable and a parent’s worst nightmare. While there are currently no credible threats in Suffolk County, the department is monitoring the ongoing investigation and will be increasing patrols around school buildings out of an abundance of caution.”

By Brett Levine

Photo: FILE – This photo from Tuesday April 20, 2021, shows Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder as he speaks in West Hempstead, N.Y. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File)