YRP, South Simcoe and Barrie Police to increase presence following San Diego mosque shooting

A composite image of police South Simcoe, Barrie, and York Regional Police Service

Barrie Police, South Simcoe Police and York Regional Police (YRP) say they will be increasing officer presence in select areas to ensure residents feel safe, following an attack on a mosque in San Diego.

A 17 and 18-year-old opened fire in a mosque, which is also operates a school, in San Diego on Monday, killing three men and then themselves, according to San Diego Police.

“We know that (Monday)’s events in San Diego are felt right here in York Region. Today and every day, we stand with our community and are reassuring residents that hate and violence have no place here,” read a York Regional Police post on social media.

The post went on the say that residents should see increased YRP patrols around places of worship, faith-based institutions, schools and other gathering places.

“Our thoughts are with the victims families and Muslim communities everywhere who continue to experience fear and trauma as a result of hatred and violence,” South Simcoe Police said in a statement posted to social media.

The police force added it will be increasing presence at key places of worship and community centres across south Simcoe.

"While there is currently no information indicating a specific threat to Barrie, we recognize there may be increased concern locally given the recent shooting at a mosque in San Diego," Barrie Police said in a statement to CTV News.

Barrie Police added it plans on increasing police presence and engagement around mosques, synagogues and other community gathering spaces to provide reassurance and maintain visibility.