A gunman opened fire at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, killing at least 50 people and injuring at least 53 more in what is now the deadliest mass shooting in American history.
The MTA said it has increased its patrols and surveillance to provide heightened protection across all its agencies. The MTA Police Department has stepped up its uniformed and plainclothes presence in Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal as well as other major stations throughout the Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road network.
Police canine teams and units with heavy weapons will provide extra protection as well as a noticeable sign of increased security, the MTA said. Railroad customers will also see surge patrols, increased step-on/step-off patrols of trains, and random bag checks at various locations, the MTA said.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo directed flags be flown at half-staff at state buildings.
"On behalf of all New Yorkers, our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, the injured and their loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time," Cuomo said in a statement. "New Yorkers stand in solidarity with the people of Florida, and the LGBT community."
For more on the mass shooting in Florida, check this previous Daily Voice report.
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