Clark County Sheriff, Springfield Police increase presence at area mosques today

An increased law enforcement presence is expected at area mosques today. Bill Lackey/Staff

An increased law enforcement presence is expected at area mosques today. Bill Lackey/Staff

An increased law enforcement presence is expected around Springfield area mosques today following a attacks on two mosques in New Zealand overnight that left 49 people dead.

Deputies from the Clark County Sheriff’s Department are expected to patrol outside the Miami Valley Islamic Association of Springfield during afternoon prayer today, according to Samina Ahmed a member of the mosque and the Global Education and Peace Network in the city.

MORE: New Zealand shootings: Death toll rises to 49 in attacks at 2 mosques

“There will be a presence to help members feel safer,” Ahmed said. “We called earlier this morning and asked if they would send a patrol.”

Ahmed said she has been left feeling heartbroken after the attacks last night, less than 24 hours after the Global Education and Peace Network, formed after 9/11 with the purpose of bridging communities, held a program Thursday night with a focus on bringing the Christian and Muslim communities together.

The program featured Father David Vincent of Our Lady of Mercy Fraternity of the Secular Franciscan Order and Ahmed both leading discussions about their faiths.

LOCAL: Northwestern Local wants in “on ground floor” of potential Upper Valley Mall project

“Everything about last night was so beautiful and so positive,” Ahmed said. “Just when you feel like you reach a milestone, you take 10 steps back.”

Springfield Police will be making extra patrols around the city’s other mosque, Masjid An-Nur.

“Officers will be keeping an eye on the area,” said Lt. Jeff Williams of the Springfield Police Divison.

LOCAL: Car flips on its side into water following crash in Clark County

Imam Mustafa Islam of Masjid An-Nur, said that the mosque has not requested additional security.

About the Author